2024 partial solar eclipse in Binghamton, New York this afternoon: Live updates
New Yorkers will have the chance to view a potentially once-in-a-lifetime event this afternoon: a total solar eclipse.
The moon will pass directly between the Earth and the sun, creating a total solar eclipse which will block the face of the sun and darken the sky. While Broome County is not in the direct path of totality, a partial eclipse will still be visible, weather conditions permitting.
We'll be updating this story live as the day unfolds.
More: Your ultimate guide to viewing the 2024 partial solar eclipse in Binghamton, New York
Eclipse viewers arriving at Kopernik
Dr. Laura Lamash, interim director of education, is welcoming visitors as they arrive at Kopernik this afternoon. If you forgot to make a pinhole projector, there's an activity table on property where you can make one. Solar viewers are also set up outside.
Inside the observatory, the physics lab is displaying the heliostat view of the eclipse. Kopernik's live stream from the path of totality is also set up inside. Attendees can also view the sun through the dome scopes.
Detour impacts Kopernik eclipse viewers
For those traveling to Kopernik Observatory and Science Center, an Underwood Road detour is currently adding 5-6 minutes to the trip.
The observatory's eclipse events begin at 2 p.m., with peak coverage expected at 3:23 p.m.
Cloudy skies over Discovery Center in Binghamton
Two hours until eclipse arrives in Binghamton area
The eclipse will be visible over Endicott at 3:23:30 p.m., over Binghamton and Binghamton University's Vestal campus at 3:23:40 p.m.
Here are the peak times for other neighborhoods in the area:
Apalachin: 3:23:20.
Chenango Bridge: 3:23:50.
Crest View Heights: 3:23:20.
Endwell: 3:23:40.
Johnson City: 3:23:40.
Owego: 3:23:20.
Port Dickinson: 3:23:40.
Tioga Terrace: 3:23:20.
Windsor: 3:24:00.
Check your zip code: Find Binghamton, Broome County peak eclipse times
Eclipse has begun in U.S.
Broome County issues safety tips
Schools dismissing early for eclipse
Binghamton-area schools have begun early dismissal so students can be home in time to view the eclipse this afternoon.
Chenango Forks, Maine-Endwell and Susquehanna Valley middle and high school students were scheduled to be dismissed at 11:30 a.m., with the districts' elementary students following at 12:30 p.m.
See more school dismissals: Binghamton-area districts cancel school, dismiss early for eclipse
What's going across the country?
The USA TODAY Network will be following the eclipse from southern Texas to northern Maine. Find more coverage here: www.usatoday.com/news/solar-eclipse-2024.
The rare event − where the shadow of the moon plunges a narrow strip of land into darkness in the middle of the day − is an astronomical experience like no other that will be unusually accessible to millions of people.
Current weather in Binghamton, NY
Keep checking our Accuweather forecast for the latest weather updates.
And cross your fingers for clear skies!
In downtown Binghamton, clouds rolling in
Clouds have started to roll in on an otherwise sunny morning in downtown Binghamton.
The National Weather Service expects significant coverage of middle and high clouds this afternoon, which may disrupt eclipse viewing.
Monitor animal behavior during eclipse
Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville is keeping a close eye on the animals living there today, as one of many facilities across the country monitoring eclipse behavior. The park is now open for the day, and free eclipse glasses are being provided to the first 1,000 guests.
Park owner Jordan Patch says eclipses offer an interesting research opportunity.
“We could see nocturnal animals become more active during that two-hour window,” said Patch. “We could see wolves howling, or owls hooting. It will also be interesting to see if their learned behaviors are impacted. For example, will the giraffes return to their barn because they know that when the sun sets, it is time to go inside?”
Clear skies 'not looking promising' for Binghamton eclipse viewers
According to Jim Brewster, Senior Service Hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Binghamton, significant cloud cover is expected this afternoon, though it is possible there will be holes through which to view the eclipse.
National Weather Service's latest outlook suggests partly sunny skies between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday, with a temperature around 57 degrees. Brewster said in order to clearly view the eclipse, Binghamton residents will have to get lucky.
"The sky forecast for Central New York is not looking promising for a great view of the eclipse," said Brewster. "We're expecting a significant coverage of middle and high clouds this afternoon, but hoping there will be thinning or several holes."
More: Clear skies 'not looking promising' during eclipse in Binghamton: What we know
Eclipse weather in Binghamton this afternoon
The Southern Tier region's climate history suggests there will be clouds to contend with during eclipse viewing this afternoon.
Right now the forecast calls for partly sunny skies today, with a high near 59, and light winds in the afternoon.
Coming off an early April storm that brought heavy rain and wind to the region, an AccuWeather forecast suggested the clear zone that developed in its wake could be in "just the right spot" for good viewing conditions for the eclipse. Some of the best views today may be in New England.
Binghamton will see partial solar eclipse after 3 p.m.
The path of totality will enter in the southwestern part of New York just after 3:15 p.m. April 8 and will depart northern New York just before 3:30 p.m.
Most neighborhoods in Broome County will seek the peak of the partial eclipse at 3:23 p.m.
Find specific viewing times across the Southern Tier and the rest of New York here or search by zip code.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Eclipse 2024 in Binghamton this afternoon: Live updates
