New City, NY – Rockland County is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for the highly anticipated solar eclipse set to darken skies over North America on April 8th. With New York poised to witness this celestial phenomenon, County Executive Ed Day emphasizes the importance of safety for everyone planning to gaze skyward during the event.
A solar eclipse, a dance of celestial shadows, occurs when the Moon slides between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow that either partially or completely blocks our view of the Sun. This upcoming event, dubbed the “Great American Eclipse,” will see the moon completely obscuring the sun, with the spectacle reaching its peak at 3:15 p.m. local time. New York is among the privileged states on the path of totality, offering residents a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring show.
However, with great spectacle comes great responsibility. The County of Rockland and its officials urge residents to follow essential safety guidelines to protect their eyes and ensure a safe viewing experience:
- Certified Protection: The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for looking at the sun.
- Equipment Check: For those planning to use binoculars, telescopes, or cameras to capture the eclipse, ensure these devices are fitted with appropriate solar filters. Directly pointing an unfiltered camera or optical device at the sun can cause severe damage to the equipment and your eyes.
- Naked Eye, Beware: It cannot be stressed enough – looking at the sun without proper eye protection can lead to serious and permanent vision damage. Do not attempt to view the eclipse with the naked eye, through unfiltered cameras, binoculars, telescopes, or using makeshift filters like smoked glass or exposed film.
As Ed Day puts it, “This awe-inspiring spectacle is a not-to-miss experience, but it must be observed with caution.” To facilitate a safe viewing, certified solar viewing glasses are readily available for purchase online and in stores at a minimal cost.
In addition to personal preparations, the community is invited to gather at Haverstraw Bay Park for a collective viewing experience. Park staff will be present to enhance the event with insights and answer questions. A limited number of free viewing glasses will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis. For those venturing into state parks like Bear Mountain State Park, similar viewings are organized, promising a memorable and safe eclipse experience.
As the day draws near, Rockland County stands ready, with safety measures in place, to welcome the “Great American Eclipse.” Let’s make it a safe, educational, and spectacular experience for all.