The 2024 solar eclipse is at its peak in New York City, where observers are watching nearly 90 percent of the moon’s shadow cover the sun.
Peak coverage occurred at 3:25 p.m., about 80 minutes after the eclipse began at about 10 past 2 p.m. The event begins wherever the edge of the moon touches the edge of the sun.
The eclipse, which will peak in New York state closer to the Syracuse area, will cover only 90 percent of the sun in New York. Instead of total darkness, it appears as if the city is experiencing a very cloudy day.
In the Upstate, where darkness will truly descend, thousands of people have gathered with their families and friends, Niagara Falls, Buffalo and the areas around the Finger Lakes, to observe the celestial event.
In The Big Apple, hordes gather at prime locations, including ‘The Edge’, the observation deck at Hudson Yards.
People gather at ‘The Edge’ observation deck ahead of a total solar eclipse in North America, in New York City on April 8, 2024
View of a partial solar eclipse as seen from Queens, New York City, USA, April 8, 2024
People gather to view a partial solar eclipse, during which the moon will partially obscure the sun, in Times Square in New York City
Celestial observers take photos at ‘The Edge’ observation deck in New York ahead of Monday afternoon’s solar eclipse
The eclipse is on its way to travel more than 4,000 miles across North America as its path of totality began in Texas and will travel through parts of the South into upstate New York, ending in Maine.
It made landfall in Mazatlan, Mexico, on Monday morning and is moving along a 15-state path.
In New York, the sky starts to darken around 2:50 PM and brightens again around 4:00 PM.
Although the Big Apple is not in the path of totality, parts of New York State will experience four minutes and 28 seconds of total darkness.
Monday’s solar eclipse will last almost twice as long as the Great Solar Eclipse of 2017. There will also be more than twice as many people in the path of totality.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul reported to Niagara Falls State Park ahead of the solar eclipse on Monday. She previously said the state was prepared to welcome a larger flow of visitors ahead of the event.
More than 1 million people visit New York for the solar eclipse.
“This is truly a once-in-a-generation event, and my administration has worked for eighteen months to ensure a safe and enjoyable viewing experience for everyone.” “With our world-class parks and charming downtown, I encourage visitors to come for the eclipse but stay for all that New York has to offer,” she said ahead of Monday.
A woman looks up at the sky as the solar eclipse begins in New York
Sophia Moccia, 4, of Queens watches a partial solar eclipse with a homemade mask at the New York Hall of Science
New York City will be plunged into 90 percent darkness at 3:25 p.m
This year’s total trail is 115 miles wide and is home to nearly 32 million Americans, while another 150 million people live within 200 miles of the strip
A big day for the profit model of “The Edge” at Hudson Yards, where tickets start at $41
People camp out in Niagara Falls at Prospect Point hours before the total solar eclipse.
Children come to watch the solar eclipse in NASA suits as the space event generates widespread interest across the country
Adrian Plaza, 9, of Queens, tests his eclipse glasses ahead of a partial solar eclipse, during which the moon will partially obscure the sun, at the New York Hall of Science in the borough of Queens, New York City
A total solar eclipse will move across North America and be visible for up to four minutes
The Empire State Building is seen as a man takes a photo from the ‘Edge at Hudson Yards’ observation deck
New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks to the media at Niagara Falls State Park ahead of a total solar eclipse in North America
Five-year-old Barrette Donohue looks at the sun with his special glasses as he prepares to watch the progress of the total solar eclipse with his family on Verona Beach, NY
In Niagara Falls, photographers lined up early in the morning to find the best spot to take photos of the eclipse.
Astrophotographer Stan Honda told it CNN Photographers of all skill levels can take photos of the solar eclipse, as long as they have a sturdy, stable tripod and a remote shutter release for your camera.
“You can get a good view of the eclipse with almost any camera or lens,” he said. ‘I would only recommend a reasonably sturdy tripod so that your setup is quite stable, and a remote shutter release as that will allow you to take the photos without shaking or moving the camera too much.’