Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Where to Watch the Eclipse in New York"

Host: Kusha Navadar (in for Alison Stewart)
Guest: Bart Freed, Executive Vice President, Amateur Astronomers Association of New York
Date: April 4, 2024

Brief Overview:

This episode of All Of It focuses on the upcoming solar eclipse visible in the New York metro area on April 8, 2024. Kusha Navadar and guest Bart Freed discuss the science behind solar eclipses, how to safely observe the phenomenon, the logistics of eclipse-watching in New York City, and highlight community events for those eager to experience this rare celestial event together.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Science & Rarity of Solar Eclipses

• What is a Solar Eclipse?

  • Occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, perfectly aligning to block the sun’s light (02:22).
  • The apparent diameter of the Moon is almost exactly the same as the Sun’s from Earth, making total eclipses possible.
  • Types of Eclipses:
    • Total Eclipse: Moon completely covers the sun, revealing the solar corona – visible only during this phase.
    • Annular Eclipse: When the Moon is slightly further, leaving a “ring of fire” visible, but not the corona.

  Quote:

  "What's really special about a total solar eclipse is the ability to see something that you can never see otherwise."
  — Bart Freed (03:16)

• Why So Infrequent?

  • Totality depends on the perfect alignment and distance between the sun, moon, and location on Earth; next chance for the Northeast is in 2044 (01:03).

2. Eclipse Timeline for New York City

• Approximate schedule:

  • Eclipse start: ~1:00-1:30pm
  • Peak coverage: ~2:30pm
  • Ends: ~3:30pm
  • NYC will experience about 88–89% coverage (03:49).

  Visual Highlights:

  • Watch for the moon “slowly gobble up” sunspots—solar activity is high, increasing the odds of seeing sunspots vanish during the event.

3. Safety: Protecting Your Eyes During the Eclipse

• Never look directly at the sun, even during high eclipse coverage.

• Risks: 10% of the sun’s light is still “an exceedingly bright object for your retinas.” (04:50)

  Quote:

  "There really is no good time to look at the sun naked eye. But there are plenty of options, which is a good thing."
  — Bart Freed (05:06)

4. How to Observe Safely

• Solar Eclipse Glasses:

  • Vital for direct viewing—must be from reputable sources.
  • NYC Public Library offers free, certified eclipse glasses (05:56).
  • Old Glasses: Glasses from 2017 are still fine if undamaged and genuinely certified (06:52).

  Quote:

  "If you don't know that to be the case, why not get a free pair from the library—and then you know you're safe."
  — Bart Freed (07:05)

• DIY Projection:

  • Make a pinhole projector or use everyday objects like a colander to make multiple projections of the eclipse on the ground (06:52).

5. What Is the Corona?

• Definition: The solar corona is the sun's outer atmosphere, visible only during total eclipses, not annular ones, because of its faintness compared to the sun's disk (08:34).
• Facts:
  • Essentially a plasma, temperatures near one million degrees.
  • Only viewable when the sun's surface is fully obscured.

6. Local NYC Eclipse Viewing Events

• Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn

  • Public observation event hosted by the Amateur Astronomers Association and Pioneer Works.
  • Activities: Special edition eclipse glasses (5,000+ pairs), telescopes with solar filters, music, hands-on activities for kids (planet drawings, solar system models), and self-guided tours (10:09).
  • Event details:
    • Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
    • Time: 1:30–5:00pm (best to arrive around 1–4pm)
    • Peak eclipse: 3:25pm ET (11:30–11:39)

  Quote:

  "We've got, I think on order we bought 5,000 pairs of special edition eclipse glasses."
  — Bart Freed (10:51)

7. Weather & Final Tips

• Forecast: Weather is “really optimal” for NYC on eclipse day (07:53).
• Advice: Even with only a partial eclipse, it will be a spectacular sight for city residents.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "It's like the Goldilocks situation. Everything has to be just right..."
  — Kusha Navadar (03:34)
• "You can just do solar projection... hold up a colander... you see hundreds of little partial eclipses. So that's always very sort of picturesque."
  — Bart Freed (07:13)
• "I not terribly sure only because I've been planning on heading out to Texas. But typically it'll be... kids can draw the sun and draw the planets..."
  — Bart Freed (10:09)
• "Good luck to everybody that we all have good weather for the eclipse."
  — Bart Freed (11:50)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:03 – Episode begins, eclipse basics and significance
• 02:11 – Guest introduction
• 03:49 – Eclipse timing for NYC
• 04:50 – Eye safety and dangers
• 05:56 – Where to get eclipse glasses in NYC
• 06:52 – Are old glasses still safe? How to use DIY pinhole projectors
• 08:34 – Definition and significance of the corona
• 10:09 – Details of Greenwood Cemetery observation event
• 11:30 – Event times, partial/peak eclipse in NYC, recap
• 11:50 – Closing remarks & additional upcoming eclipse coverage

Final Notes

This episode serves as a concise, practical primer for New Yorkers looking to experience the 2024 solar eclipse. Bart Freed’s expertise grounded the excitement in solid science and safety, while providing actionable advice for city residents. Community connection, safe viewing practices, and the awe of celestial events were at the heart of the conversation—a fitting tribute to the wonder that eclipses inspire.

For more eclipse information, check local listings for event details and NYC Public Library’s glasses distribution.