The city of Manhattan, New York, will see about 72 percent of the sun covered by the moon during today’s partial solar eclipse. Although the city is not anywhere close to the “zone of totality,” many areas will be able to see a good portion of the sun covered by the moon beginning at 1:23 p.m. Eastern.
ECLIPSE TIME: For those viewing the eclipse in Manhattan, you will start to see the moon cross in front of the sun at 1:23 p.m. The eclipse will last approximately two hours and 37 minutes. The peak time for viewing the eclipse in Manhattan is at 2:44 p.m. At this time, the moon will cover the sun the most in your area. It will get continuously darker up until this time and then will get progressively lighter in the minutes that follow. The eclipse will be completely over at approximately 4:00 p.m.
WEATHER: Sunny skies in Manhattan will give way to a few clouds this afternoon. However, you should still be able to see the eclipse through the clouds.
BEST PLACES TO WATCH ECLIPSE: According to the New York Times, there are several places to see today’s solar eclipse in and around Manhattan. You can head to a park that doesn’t have a lot of tree cover, for example. Also, rooftop bars in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs are hosting viewing parties. Check out Hotel Americano in Chelsea or City Vineyard at Pier 26 in Lower Manhattan. You can also head to the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in Midtown, or your local library.
TRAFFIC: Since Manhattan is not in the path of totality, there shouldn’t be any additional traffic for today’s commute or during the eclipse.
THE NEXT ECLIPSE: On April 8, 2024, northern New York will be in the zone of totality. Although Manhattan will not be in the direct line, folks in the city will see closer to 90 percent occlusion. Check out the map below to see the path of totality for today’s solar eclipse and the 2024 solar eclipse.