Where To Watch The Solar Eclipse On The East End

MONTAUK, NY — With the first total solar eclipse in nearly a century visible across North America on Monday, , according to NASA, residents across the East End are stocking up on eclipse glasses and getting ready for the excitement.

On the South Fork, the Montauk Observatory will provide the public with the opportunity to view the Great American Solar Eclipse of 2017 on from two locations on the South Fork.

“We are delighted that the South Fork Natural History Museum and the Parrish Art Museum have joined us so Long Islanders can have an opportunity to experience this rare and spectacular celestial event," said Donna L. McCormick, executive director, Montauk Observatory.

She expressed her gratitude to two leading telescope manufacturers, Celestron and Meade Instruments, which have demonstrated their support of Montauk Observatory by donating eclipse glasses and solar telescopes so South Fork residents can have a safe and unique view of the eclipse.

The telescopes will later be used for Montauk Observatory's research, school outreach and other educational programs, she said.

"Not only will we have equipment to ensure safe viewing, but knowledgeable Montauk Observatory astronomers will be onhand to answer questions," she said.

Since the eclipse program includes viewing the total solar eclipse via a NASA broadcast on a large screen, the Montauk Observatory's eclipse events will occur rain or shine.

"Not only will the solar eclipse of 2017 be an opportunity to see the sun in a rare and beautiful way, giving us one more reason to appreciate our incredible universe, but it will be a fun experience and provide a memory that will last a lifetime," McCormick said.

Locations to view the Great American Solar Eclipse on Monday, August 21, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. include the South Fork History Museum, located at 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton, and the Parrish Art Museum, located at 279 Montauk Highway in Water Mill.

There won't be another opportunity for another total eclipse until 2024, the Montauk Observatory said.

The last time a total solar eclipse was visible only from the United States was in 1778.

"From Oregon to the Carolinas, a narrow band of darkness will sweep across our continent and anyone lucky enough to be in its path will see the sight of a lifetime as the moon temporarily blocks the sun," the Montauk Observatory said in a release.

New Yorkers will only be able to observe a partial, about 70%, eclipse of the sun, which will begin at 1:23 p.m., reach maximum at 2:44 p.m., and end at 4 p.m., the Montauk Observatory said.

"Even though our view will be partial, it will still be phenomenal," the Montauk Observatory said in a release.

In Bridgehampton, at the South Fork Natural History Museum, the event is also being co-sponsored by the Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt.

The event is free for those attending only the eclipse event. For those who would like to visit the museum as well, admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 kids 3-12 years, and free for younger children and members.

At the Parrish Art Museum, the museum is charging its regular admission of $12 for adults, free for students, children under 18, and museum members; this includes access to their exhibits, as well as to the eclipse event.

Regardless of weather, both venues will have the total solar eclipse streamed live from NASA and displayed on a big screen.

From 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., Montauk Observatory astronomers will be present at both locations, where they will operate telescopes that will enable guests to safely view the sun; they welcome questions.

Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the afternoon.

While supplies last, eclipse shades, or eyewear that allows safe viewing of the sun, will be distributed free at both locations.

In Southold, the Custer Observatory wrote on its Facebook page: "People who choose to stay in Southold will not see the full eclipse, but will be treated to a very nice 74% partial eclipse. Custer Observatory will be hosting an event during the afternoon to view the eclipse. You cannot view a partial eclipse safely without proper solar filters or pinhole projection." A limited supply of glasses will be available at the Custer Observatory, a post on the organization's Facebook page said.

Custer also gives a full schedule of the eclipse on its Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of NASA.