Total Solar Eclipse coming to Tupper Lake next April 8

On April 8, 2024, a spectacular Total Solar Eclipse will occur in Tupper Lake. On that day, the moon will pass in front of the sun and cast a shadow across the United States starting in Texas and moving north and east across the country. It will eventually reach Tupper Lake and begin covering us in darkness at 1:12 p.m.

By 2:26 p.m., the moon will totally eclipse the sun for three minutes and 33 seconds. The moon will end its pass in front of the sun at 3:36 p.m., and this unprecedented astronomical event will be over.

For some perspectives, Tupper Lake has experienced eclipses in the past. Within the last century, Tupper Lake experienced a number of “partial” eclipses where the moon did not fully cover the sun. Those occurred in 1925, 1932, 1963 and 2017.

On May 10,1994, an annular eclipse occurred when the moon, because of its varying distance from earth, moved in front of the sun, but was too small to fully cover it. Another annular eclipse will occur in Tupper Lake on July 23, 2093.

Astronomical records show that a Total Solar Eclipse has not occurred in Tupper Lake in almost two centuries.

The Sky Center is developing educational programming that will help our community and visitors better understand the science behind eclipses, as well as the cultural and historical significance of this rare and truly once in a lifetime event.

The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory is the sole public astronomy-based organization in the Adirondack Park. Large crowds are predicted to visit on that day in order to make use of their expertise and abundant resources. Astronomers from around the country will be on hand, live video feeds from NASA, and a full range of activities for the community and visitors of all ages are already being planned. The organization’s state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable staff will provide guidance and support to eclipse viewers.

“We want this to be a come-early-stay-late event for visitors,” says Seth McGowan, president of the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory. “But what’s even more important,” he continues, “is we want everyone to have an enjoyable experience that will make them want to come back to our community in the future.”

Mr. McGowan has already engaged with local and regional partners, including schools, businesses, museums, and community organizations, to create a comprehensive plan for the eclipse. In addition to logistical planning for such large crowds, the plan also includes educational programming, public outreach, and scientific research. An organizational meeting is set to take place at The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory’s 36 High Street Office where representatives from the Town, Village, Arts Center, Library, Wild Center, and ROOST will begin their planning.

Look for regular updates on the April 8, 2024 eclipse here from the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory.