Rochester, N.Y. is gearing up for an extraordinary celestial event that is set to captivate the city in 2024. The once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse, which hasn’t been witnessed in the region since 1925, is expected to draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the country. With no other major solar eclipses occurring in the continental United States for the next 21 years, and none passing through Rochester for another 120 years, this is an event that locals and tourists alike won’t want to miss.
Debra Ross, the chair of Rochester’s task force for the eclipse, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event. “We’re expecting hundreds and thousands of visitors to this region on this day,” she said. The anticipation is palpable as the city prepares for an influx of people eager to witness this rare phenomenon.
However, with such a massive number of visitors expected, traffic is bound to be a major concern. Ross advises everyone to avoid being on the roads during the eclipse. “The signs will say ‘Do not pull over.’ Prepare to get off the path (and) out of the way,” she explained. Fortunately, the state’s department of transportation in New York and Ohio have been diligently working on emergency management and transportation plans for this event.
The total solar eclipse is set to occur on April 8, 2024, starting at 3:20 p.m. and lasting approximately three minutes and 38 seconds. As the moon passes between the sun and Earth, it will completely block the face of the sun, resulting in a breathtaking spectacle. Dan Schneiderman, the eclipse coordinator at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, described what viewers can expect during this extraordinary event. “The sun’s disc will be completely blocked out, and it will become dark out. Not midnight, but like a deep dusk,” he said. “The temperature will drop by about an average of 10 degrees. Animals will think it’s nighttime, and it’ll be eerily still.”
While the temptation to look up during the total eclipse is strong, safety should always be the top priority. Schneiderman emphasized the importance of using specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing. “The big thing when it comes to safety is you should never ever look directly at the sun, except during totality or wearing the proper safety equipment,” he warned. “Sunglasses do not work. You must wear approved, vetted eclipse glasses.”
To make the most of this extraordinary event, several events are being organized in and around Rochester, as well as throughout Western New York. SUNY Brockport will be hosting a total solar eclipse viewing party, while the Red Wings baseball team will also be hosting a viewing party. Additionally, Webster is preparing for the eclipse with a traveling art exhibit featuring the work of renowned astronomers.
As Rochester eagerly awaits the arrival of the total solar eclipse in 2024, the city is buzzing with excitement. With its rich history and vibrant community, Rochester is ready to welcome visitors from far and wide to witness this once-in-a-lifetime celestial spectacle. So mark your calendars and prepare to be amazed as the moon casts its shadow over the city, creating a moment of awe and wonder that will be remembered for generations to come.