Eclipse events happening around the Capital Region
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A total solar eclipse will be passing over North America on April 8 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Many places around the Capital Region are holding solar eclipse events that day or leading up to that day.
A total solar eclipse happens when a part of the earth is engulfed in a shadow cast by the moon which fully blocks sunlight. To keep your eyes safe, you need special solar viewing glasses to view the eclipse.
In the Capital Region, the maximum eclipse will be seen between 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. In Albany, the eclipse is set to start at 2:12 p.m. and end at 4:36 p.m., with the max partial eclipse happening at 3:26 p.m.
You can look up where and how much of the eclipse will be visible on the Eclipse Soundscapes website. The next time a total solar eclipse will be seen from New York is in 2079.
Many schools in the area are also adjusting their schedules so students can safely view the solar eclipse. Here's where you can learn about solar eclipses and attend these events around the Albany area.
Weekend Workshop: miEclipse, Schenectady
The Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci) is holding events Saturdays at 3:40 p.m. on March 23, March 30, and April 6. These programs offer a crash course on how, when, and where eclipses happen and basic eclipse safety.
Thacher State Park eclipse events, Voorheesville
Thacher State Park is holding an event called "The Great North American Total Eclipse: The Science, the History, and Why You Should Get Your Butt to Totality (If Possible)" on March 23 at 11:30 a.m. at the Visitor Center and an Solar Eclipse: Activity Hour at 1: 30 p.m. You can register for the events by calling (518) 872-0800.
Eclipse activities, Guilderland
The Guilderland Public Library is holding Eclipse Activity Day for kids on April 1 with two sessions for grades K-3 at 10 a.m. and grades 4-7 at 11:15 a.m. The library is also holding a eclipse viewing party on April 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can register for the activity days on the Guilderland Public Library website.
Schenectady County Public Library events
The Schenectady County Public Library is holding several events leading up to the eclipse on April 8. The events take place on April 1, 2, 4 and 5 at various branches. On April 8, four branches are holding solar eclipse viewing events. You can see the full list of events and register for them on the Event Keeper website.
Albany Public Library events
The Albany Public Library is hosting a few solar eclipse events at it's branches. There is an Eclipse Solar-Bration on April 1 at Arbor Hill, an online eclipse cooking demo on April 3, MiSci Traveling Planetarium: Moon Phases at the Washington Avenue Branch on April 6 and two eclipse viewing events on April 8 at Howe and Pine Hills branches. You can view and register for the events on the Albany Public Library website.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, Stillwater
Saratoga National Historical Park is holding a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on April 8 at 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You should bring your own eclipse glasses if you have them. The event will also feature ranger programs and junior ranger activities. No registration required.
Eclipse Day on the Skyway, Albany
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District is hosting an eclipse viewing party on the Albany Skyway on April 8 from noon to 4 p.m. The event includes Downtown Albany-themed eclipse viewing glasses, a live DJ, and snacks. You can reserve your spot on the Eventbrite website.
The Egg Presents: Eclipse at the Ellipse, Albany
The Egg is hosting a free eclipse afterparty on April 8 at 4 p.m. featuring films, live performances, DJs, visual projections and more. You can get your free ticket to enter on The Egg website.
Teen Neon Party, Pittsfield, Mass.
The Berkshire Athenaeum is hosting a Teen Neon Party on April 8 from 2L45 p.m. to 5 p.m. to watch the solar eclipse live-streamed in the auditorium and then have a light dance party. The event includes pizza, snacks, glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark slime making, board games, video games, and more. No registration is required.