On Monday, April 8 2024 the New York witnessed a solar eclipse. This year, for part of New York totality occurred. New York won’t be in the path of totality again until the year 2044.
Even though Long Island was not in the path of totality, before the solar eclipse many local places were preparing for the partial eclipse that would be visible. 7-Eleven and other local stores had solar eclipse glasses and many fast food places and brands had deals for the big event. Oreos made a limited-time flavor and Sonic had a milkshake that came with solar eclipse glasses.
In Hampton Bays, all students were invited to watch the solar eclipse when school ended. Many students gathered on Hampton Bays High School’s football field and many more were on the bleachers. The science teachers, who helped coordinate the event, were all together in one place talking to each other about the solar eclipse and how cool it looked. Ms. Boyle, a high school English teacher, joked saying, “Listen to the science teachers when they say to look since they know what’s going on.”
As it approached, chatter filled the air, and many people were talking about how excited they were to see the solar eclipse since for several it’s their first time seeing one; the last visible solar eclipse for New York was 2017 but New York wasn’t in the path of totality. In addition to excited conversations, throughout the event eclipse-themed songs were playing to entertain the crowd. As the time for the eclipse approached an announcement came over the loudspeaker: “Thank you everyone for joining us during this very special day. The Solar eclipse is about to begin.”
During the eclipse while the moon was covering the sun it started to become cloudy and the wind started to pick up. When it was as close to a totality as it would get, many were complaining about how cold it was. Still, there were so many people that were fascinated at the eclipse since that may have been their very first eclipse and many kids were running around due to the excitement.
The eclipse was an important event to many since they were able to be with their families and have a good time.
