Preparations for the highly anticipated solar eclipse on April 8th have extended to New York’s prisons, with the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announcing the cancellation of visitations at nearly two dozen facilities in the path of totality. A total of 23 facilities will experience up to three and a half minutes of total darkness, leading to visitation closures all day at these sites and early closures at other facilities not directly impacted. In addition to visitation changes, a system-wide lockdown will be implemented during the eclipse as a safety precaution, with individuals in custody locked in their housing units between 2-5 p.m. on the day of the eclipse. Despite these measures, the department has purchased solar eclipse safety glasses to distribute to the incarcerated population.
This solar eclipse, the first in almost a century, has prompted preparations throughout New York State, including an effort led by Governor Kathy Hochul to ensure a safe and memorable experience for residents and visitors. With the aim of providing resources for safely viewing the eclipse, the state has launched a plan that includes distributing limited edition eclipse glasses at 30 locations throughout New York. Hochul emphasized the importance of heightening awareness about potential scams and ensuring that individuals have the necessary tools and information to enjoy the extraordinary event. The eclipse is set to occur in the afternoon of April 8, with a total eclipse affecting the western and northern parts of New York State for 1 ½ to 3 ½ minutes as the moon passes between the earth and sun.
The path of totality, approximately 100 miles wide, will enter the southwestern part of the state just after 3:15 p.m. and depart from northern New York just before 3:30 p.m. Cities within this path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid, and Plattsburgh. The eclipse will last for up to 2 ½ hours, encompassing the time from when the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast. While areas outside the path of totality will not experience total darkness, those in Long Island can expect an 88 percent coverage, with New York City and the Capital Region seeing 89 percent and 96 percent coverage, respectively. Regardless of location, residents will witness a significant celestial spectacle during the eclipse.
As the state gears up for this rare and extraordinary event, preparations for the solar eclipse extend beyond safety measures for individuals within correctional facilities. Governor Hochul’s plan aims to provide New Yorkers with the necessary resources and information to safely observe the eclipse and enjoy the once-in-a-generation experience. The distribution of eclipse glasses at multiple locations throughout New York is just one aspect of the state’s efforts to ensure that residents and visitors can fully appreciate and safely experience the event. With the anticipation building as the eclipse approaches, New York is poised to witness a remarkable celestial event that will captivate observers across the state.
