It’s solar eclipse day!
On Monday, April 8 there will be a total solar eclipse, meaning the sun will be obscured briefly by the path of the moon. This astronomical phenomenon is incredibly rare and won’t occur again until 2044 — leaving Brooklynites scrambling to find the best seats in the house.
The eclipse is expected to hit its peak in New York City between 2:10 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. At its peak in the five boroughs, the sun will be 90% covered.
In order to safely observe the eclipse, it is necessary to use eclipse glasses as it is unsafe to look at the sun without specialized protection. Certain locations like the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library are distributing solar eclipse glasses while supplies last. (Yes, you really need them.)
Here are some of the best places to (safely) witness this incredibly rare celestial phenomenon in Brooklyn!
The Green-Wood Cemetery
500 25th St. in Sunset Park
1:30-5 p.m
Free
The Green-Wood Cemetery will be hosting a free solar eclipse viewing party at the cemetery’s meadow and historic chapel where visitors can view the eclipse using some special edition solar eclipse glasses and through telescopes equipped with solar filters. Amateur astronomers will be on deck to operate the telescopes and to answer any questions about the eclipse. The celebration will also feature some artist-led activities, including a community mural with the Red Hook Art Project alongside a NASA livestream of the eclipse.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Entrances on Flatbush Avenue, Washington Avenue, and Eastern Parkway
1-5 p.m.
Free
Bring friends out on the Garden’s sprawling lawns to “ooh” and “aah: at the magnificence of the eclipse with eclipse glasses provided by Warby Parker. Blankets are permitted but outside food is not, although you can grab a few snacks at the Garden’s canteen if you’re feeling like a snack after all that oggling.
Shirley Chisholm State Park
1750 Granville Payne Ave. in East New York
2-4 p.m.
Free
Hike and view the solar eclipse from the highest point in Jamaica Bay with New York State park educators. Solar glasses will be provided but don’t forget to wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes and to bring lots of water! The group will meet at the Hendrix Creek Patio on the Penn side of the park and will hike together over to the fountain side. Registration is required.
Central Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Free
Celebrate not only the solar eclipse but the life and legacy of producer, musician and conductor Casey Benjamin, who made innumerable contributions to music especially in jazz and funk, at the Brooklyn Public Library’s sprawling Central branch. Watch the solar eclipse as fellow musician Vernon Reid conducts members of Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber and special guests to honor Benjamin.
More libraries
Across Brooklyn
Times vary
Free
Numerous branches of Brooklyn Public Libraries are also hosting special events for the solar eclipse! Join teens at Brooklyn Heights Library at Cadman Plaza for a special watch party, a garden party at the Saratoga Library in Bedford-Stuyvesant, the Adams Library Branch will be hosting a watch party on the Pearl Street Triangle. Check individual local libraries for specific time details and hours of operation.
Brooklyn Commons
15 MetroTech Center in Downtown Brooklyn
2-4 p.m.
Free
Join the NYU Tandon School of Engineering community and fellow Brooklyn Commons residents for a solar eclipse viewing party in the heart of Brooklyn Commons! Come by to watch the eclipse with friends and grab a pair of Tandon eclipse viewing glasses (plus other exciting swag) as long as supplies last.
