Oswego County reminds residents that a solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday, April 8, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. The county is uniquely situated to experience the event’s totality, with three minutes and 30 seconds of darkness in the middle of the afternoon.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the planet that either fully or partially blocks the sun’s light. Areas where the sun, moon and Earth line up to create a full or total eclipse are said to be in the “path of totality.”
This full, total eclipse will be viewable throughout Oswego County, with start and end times for the event varying by location. Generally, the eclipse will last approximately two and a half hours, and the period of totality will be about three minutes and 30 seconds.
The eclipse begins shortly after 2 p.m. locally, with totality starting and ending shortly before 3:30 p.m. Following totality, the eclipse continues as the moon moves across the sun, before concluding shortly after 4:30 p.m.
During totality the sky will become dark, similar to when it is dusk or dawn. Drivers and pedestrians should be prepared for sudden nighttime conditions if traveling the afternoon of the eclipse.
Totality may also cause the temperature to drop about 10 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Weather Spark, the average temperature of Oswego County on April 8 ranges from 38 to 47 degrees Fahrenheit. (https://weatherspark.com/d/22175/4/8/Average-Weather-on-April-8-in-Oswego-New-York-United-States#Figures-Temperature) Weather can be unpredictable in April, so anyone viewing the eclipse is advised to pay attention to weather forecasts and dress in layers.
Oswego County expects many visitors to the area for optimal eclipse viewing. Residents should anticipate increased crowds and traffic congestion and plan accordingly. Seniors may want to schedule their errands during the morning hours to avoid heavy traffic.
It is estimated that traffic will be highest after the eclipse ends as viewers start to exit the area. Large crowds may also cause reduced cell phone service signal.
Eclipse viewers need to ensure they have specialized eye protection to avoid injuring their eyes or vision. According to NASA, viewing any part of the sun through a camera, binoculars or a telescope without a special purpose solar filter secured over the front of the lens will instantly cause severe eye injury. (https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/)
Eclipse glasses or a hand-held solar viewer must be used to view the eclipse before and after totality. Only special purpose solar filters that comply with the transmittance requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard allow people to safely look directly at the sun. For a list of suppliers of safer solar filters and viewers, visit the American Astronomical Society’s eclipse website at https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters.
As the eclipse will occur during usual school dismissal times, many Oswego County school districts are planning a half-day for students on April 8. Parents should make arrangements for their children and have proper eyewear available for viewing the eclipse. They can reach out to their school district for more information.
Around the county, a variety of events are planned to celebrate the solar eclipse. Public gatherings will be hosted by the city of Oswego, the city of Fulton, Fort Ontario State Historic Site, Selkirk Shores State Park and more. More information will be announced as details are finalized.
Businesses, organizations and individuals planning to open their doors or spaces to others during the eclipse should contact the Oswego County Health Department’s Environmental Division to ensure they’re following all public health regulations. For more information, call 315-349-3557.
The next total solar eclipse that may be seen from the United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044.
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Download the Solar Eclipse Fact Sheet
Eclipse Events (as of April 2; this list will be updated through April 8):
Saturday, April 6:
Small Business Saturday in the City of Oswego
Throughout the day, local businesses will offer discounts or have exclusive eclipse specials.
Pulaski Small Business Solar Eclipse Shopping Event
The “You’ve Been Mooned” event will take place April 6-8. Businesses will offer eclipse specials.
Total Eclipse Weekend at Rainbow Shores
April 6: Brett Falso from 6-9 p.m.
April 7: Adam Netto from 6-9 p.m.
April 8: The Sugaree and Rhodes Coffee Co. will be on-site. Hours are 11 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. for lunch and 4-8 p.m. for dinner.
Solar Eclipse Party at The Art Scene at CNY Arts Center
121 Cayuga Street, Fulton
Looking for a fun activity leading up to the eclipse? Head to The Art Scene at CNY Arts Center! There will be a paint class featuring an eclipse painting from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ($30.00 and you must register in advance by calling 315-598-2787.) Enjoy lunch and a showing of “Wall-E” from 12:30 – 2:40 p.m. ($10 for lunch.) End the day with a performance of “Always a Bridesmaid” at 7 p.m. (tickets are $18 and the performance does include adult language.) Free eclipse glasses will be available with any event you attend. Visit www.facebook.com/CNYArtsCenter for more information.
Museums Are Open!
Fort Ontario State Historic Site will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 6-7 with no admission charge. The H. Lee White Maritime Museum will be open 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. on April 6 – 7. Safe Haven Museum and Education Center will be open regular hours April 4-7 (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and will open from 9 a.m. – noon on April 8.
SUNY Oswego STEM Community Day
Richard S. Shineman Center, Centennial Dr., on the SUNY Oswego Campus
2 to 5:00 p.m.
Activities include Doppler on Wheels radar truck tours, eclipse demonstrations, cloud spotting and more! For more information, visit https://calendar.oswego.edu/event/stem_community_day
Sunday, April 7:
The Variety Show, Pre-Eclipse Edition
Lombardo’s Bridie Manor, 1830 Bridie Manor, Oswego
1 to 4:00 p.m.
A very special Variety Show on the afternoon-eve of the Total Solar Eclipse, the pre-game for the City of Oswego’s Block Party. Tons of musical talent and the largest gathering of world-renowned astrophysicists ever in an Oswego establishment.
Dr. Kamal Jabbour, Astronomer
Learn all about eclipses during this talk from 4 to 5 p.m. the talk will take place in the Lake Ontario Event Conference Center, 26 East First Street in Oswego (located at the Best Western Plus.)
City of Oswego Solar Eclipse Block Party
The event will run from 4 to 9 p.m. on West First Street and features food, fun and live music by the Jess Novak Band from 6 to 9 p.m. Eclipse glasses will be distributed while supplies last.
Monday, April 8: Eclipse Day Events:
“Total Eclipse of the Park”
Fulton War Memorial, 609 W. Broadway, Fulton
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Attendees can enjoy Epic Events inflatables, food trucks and performances by Twin Towers DJ and the choir and jazz band from G. Ray Bodley High School. Eclipse glasses will be distributed while supplies last.
SUNY Oswego Eclipse Experience
7060 NYS Rte. 104, Oswego
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Students will launch weather balloons from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, Rice Creek Field Station will host an eclipse experience.
Selkirk Shores Viewing Event
7101 NYS Rte. 3, Pulaski
Beginning at Noon
Activities include an Earth Base II Observatory presentation, hand-outs, games and more. Eclipse glasses will be distributed while supplies last. Food and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Event Parking will begin at 9:30am on April 8. The road to the beach will be barricaded off until then to allow us to time to get our staff in place to direct traffic to designated parking spots. This is a first come first serve event, we have a 180 vehicle capacity. When we hit 180 vehicles the entrance to Selkirk Shores will be blocked by Police officers. The event itself, starts at noon and runs until totality begins.
Petals in Bloom and Lewis Manor Labradoodles
113 Harry Bryant Rd., Williamstown
2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Experience eclipse views from a high elevation while enjoying food, a nine-hole disc golf course, puppies, playgrounds for kids and more.
Total Eclipse Party
Hannibal Free Library, 162 Oswego St., Hannibal
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Activities include projects for adults and kids, eclipse question and answer, refreshments and more.
City of Oswego Eclipse Viewing Area
Breitbeck Park, 91 Lake Street, Oswego
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
There will be live music, food, and small business vendors.
Town of Schroeppel Celebrating the Shadow
William Farley Community Park, Chestnut St., Phoenix
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the eclipse with a 3k walk/run, crafts, and snacks. Bring ideas to fill a special time capsule.
Central Square Library Community Eclipse Viewing Party
Extraordinary Acres, 90 Wilson Rd., Central Square
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Storytime with Jane Kraus, snacks, crafts, and carnival games. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase from Catering by Chef Jeff. Eclipse glasses will be available.
Longhouse Council Solar Eclipse Watchfire
Camp Woodland, 523 Kibbie Lake Rd., Constantia
2 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate the solar eclipse!
Eclipse Phoenix
Join us as we celebrate the solar eclipse! Phoenix falls in a prime viewing location. North Island, located in the Oswego River at Lock 1, is over 4 acres in size and a great viewing location!
The following establishments will be open and running eclipse specials throughout the day. They include Bombadils Tavern, Duskees Sports Bar and Grill, Lock 1 Distilling Co, Independent Pizza, Hive & Honey, and Harper’s Pizza just west of the village. One of our businesses on State St, SECHI, will also be open and offering eclipse related events. More may be added as the date approaches. Also, as with any event, you’ll need a commemorative T Shirt to go along with the big day! All of the businesses mentioned, along with the village office, will have them available for sale.
Sing for Science Presents Totality 2024
The G Lodge, 81 Keller Rd., Hannibal
Noon – 8 p.m.
A community eclipse experience with ambient music by Laraaji, astronomy talk with Dr. Nikole Lewis from Cornell University, and interactive healing and wellness workshops. For more information and a schedule of events, visit facebook.com/events/371343312353425
Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Eis House, 144 Academy St., Mexico
12 p.m.
Join us for this extraordinary viewing event! The Eis House will have 50 adult eclipse glasses and 30 children eclipse glasses, first come first serve!
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Canale’s Restaurant, 156 W. Utica St., Oswego
12 p.m.
Dessert and drink specials. Viewing party in upper courtyard. Glasses will be available.
Non-Event Eclipse Viewing Areas:
Fort Ontario State Historic Site, 1 E. Fourth St., Oswego (grounds only; no parking available.)
Fulton Speedway, 1603 Co. Rte. 57, Fulton
Mexico Community Park, 3058 NY 104, Mexico
Oswego Speedway, 300 E. Albany St., Oswego
E and V, 365 N 1st Street, Fulton (snacks and refreshments will be available and eclipse glasses while supplies last. Eclipse BBQ tank refills are $8.00 April 3-8)
Derby Hill Bird Observatory, 36 Grand View Ave., Mexico (PARKING: Since there will likely be more visitors than usual, we ask that everyone who is not mobility-impaired please park in the designated parking area at the bottom of the hill on Sage Creek Drive or in the parking lot across from the South Lookout and walk across the street to the field. It is a relatively easy walk up to the North Lookout (where the cottage is) from both locations. Absolutely no parking is allowed on Grand View Avenue so please do not even drive up this road unless you are mobility impaired. Please follow all posted speed limit signage. We must respect our neighbors who live on the hill.)
Free Eclipse Shuttle Info for the City of Oswego
