On April 8, a total solar eclipse will occur during which the moon will pass between the sun and the earth and block the sun’s light for several minutes. While New York City is not in the path of totality, the five boroughs will experience a partial solar eclipse, according to astrology experts.

Meanwhile, since astrology experts warn that it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized solar eclipse glasses, as advised, here is another reminder that New York City’s three public library systems are distributing free solar eclipse glasses since March 29. Glasses will be available while quantities last on a first-come, first-served basis at all New York Public Library (which includes The Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island) and Queens Public Library locations.

Brooklyn Public Library locations are also giving away glasses at select dates and times. A liability waiver must be signed before receiving your eclipse glasses. Patrons under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver on their behalf. Library locations throughout the five boroughs have also planned events leading up to the eclipse. You can browse NYPL’s events calendar for eclipse-related programming.

 

Van Cortlandt Park is also hosting a solar eclipse party. Join the Urban Park Rangers for an opportunity to view the much-anticipated solar eclipse and learn more about eclipses and why they occur. Borrow a pair of NYC Parks safety viewing glasses or take a look through their solar lens telescope. The next solar eclipse visible in the state will be in 2044. For more information, click here.

 

Meanwhile, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene have provided the following tips on how to view the eclipse safely.

 

NYC Department of Buildings officials are also alerting all construction workers in the New York City metropolitan area about the upcoming solar eclipse. They said during this event, there will be intervals of diminished light, potentially affecting visibility across construction sites.

In light of this, they said it is imperative for all construction workers to exercise heightened caution and adhere to stringent safety protocols. They said reduced visibility poses significant risks, including but not limited to falls, collisions, and equipment malfunctions.

ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma couldn’t be more excited to share these special tips. Those magical eclipse glasses are pretty hard to find, but it’s okay because you can make your own. We’ll show you how. Video courtesy of ABC7 via YouTube

“Be sure to stay safe when driving, motorists should use headlights, especially during the hours nearest 3:25 p.m., the time of the peak partial eclipse in New York City, when the sun will be 89.6% occluded,” they wrote. “If driving during the eclipse, slow down and watch for other people on the road. Distracted driving — from any distraction — is dangerous and drivers’ vision drops during dusk and darkness.”

They said New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.

 

Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition.

 

Editor’s Note: Norwood News received a press release from Lehman College on April 3 regarding a Watch Party the college was hosting which included the details outlined above. We published our story the next day on April 4 and had shared it several times on social media. On Monday afternoon, April 8, representatives from the college commented on our Facebook page under the story to say the event was not actually open to the public. We apologize for any inconvenience.

At that stage, we were already out reporting on the eclipse and had not seen their comment on our Facebook page until after the event was over. Lehman College officials later said, in part, “Apologies for the mix up. We ended up hosting two events, one of which was the student-only, one original mentioned in the news alert.” Norwood News only received one press release. We queried this with Lehman College and an official replied, saying only one news alert was issued. “The second event came about later so there wasn’t an updated version; they were both on campus, different locations,” the representative added.