Solar eclipse 2024: These events in the Mohawk Valley focus on the celestial event
On April 8, much of upstate New York will be treated to a total solar eclipse. For several minutes the moon will completely block the sun, darkening the skies in the middle of the afternoon.
Most municipalities within the Mohawk Valley will experience 99% visibility of the celestial event, meaning the sky will significantly dim.
Rome is unique in that the northern part of the city falls within the path of totality while the southern tier does not.
However, Old Forge lies directly within the path of totality and will observe darkness for three minutes.
As we gear up for the event, here are some of the events taking place prior to the eclipse.
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SPACE Talks
Utica University teamed up with the Adirondack Total Solar Eclipse Celebration in Old Forge. Two physics professors – Hava Turkakin and Brandon Flemming – will present SPACE Talks at the Strand Theater April 6-7, a spin-off of TED talks.
Event organizer, Ximena Gardner, said the lectures will focus on more than just the sun, moon, and Earth coming into alignment. They'll examine "what eclipses have meant for humanity throughout time."
Portable Planetarium
Additionally, the Science Center and the OHM BOCES Portable Planetarium will participate in local solar eclipse events.
The Portable Planetarium is a handicapped-accessible dome made from industrial-grade fabric. The inner surface has an aluminized reflective coating designed to display bright images.
On April 6, the Portable Planetarium will be at The View Arts Center in Old Forge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Adirondack Total Solar Eclipse Celebration. The Portable Planetarium will be set up alongside workshops and events for children of all ages.
On April 8, the Science Center and Portable Planetarium will participate in the Indian River Central School District’s community solar eclipse event.
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Herkimer County Community College events
Herkimer County Community College is inviting the campus community and public to celebrate and observe the 2024 solar eclipse with two, free cosmic events.
The college's library will host the first event, Standing in the Moon’s Shadow: A Solar Eclipse Presentation on Wednesday, April 3, at 1:30 p.m. in the Reading Room located on the library’s second floor. College Astronomy Professor Faith Thompson will discuss the awesome and emotional experience of viewing the upcoming eclipse, the science behind the phenomenon, and what one may expect to see.
On Monday, April 8, the date of the eclipse, there will be a celebration from 1:45-4:30 p.m. First, space-themed snacks will be served in the Library’s second-floor Reading Room followed by a brief solar presentation at 2 p.m. to prepare viewers.
The celebration then moves to the library lawn for the main cosmic event. Participants are welcome to bring blankets and chairs for seating. The library will be providing solar eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-served basis. The solar event begins around 2:11 p.m. and lasts until 4:36 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Solar eclipse 2024: Mohawk Valley events are learning opportunity
