On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. Parts of New York State will witness this total eclipse. Here in the Hudson Valley, we will be able to see 93 percent of the sun hidden by the moon at around 3:25 p.m. It will look like night time in the middle of the afternoon.

 

All students in the district will have a half day on Monday, April 8, the day of the eclipse. The eclipse will be partially visible in our area and will be occurring during regular dismissal times. The decision to dismiss early was made for the safety of our students.

Here in the Hudson Valley, the eclipse will begin at approximately 2:11 p.m., getting progressively darker until 3:25 p.m. when 93 percent of the sun will be hidden by the moon. That is the period of totality and lasts just a few minutes. The eclipse will end around 4:36 p.m.

A total solar eclipse is a spectacular site, happening when the moon passes between the sun and earth, blocking the sun completely. However, protective eyewear is necessary to look directly at the eclipse.

We urge everyone to take precautions by wearing protective eyewear while viewing.

The next total solar eclipse in our area will take place 55 years from now in May 2079.

Learn more about the eclipse at this NASA site.