Westchester County Parks’ Conservation Division Hosts Solar Eclipse Events on Monday, April 8
Watch the Full News Conference Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5VHlvRELLU
Watch the Video on the Solar Eclipse Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSQLzpGIcVI
The Westchester County Parks Conservation Division hosted solar eclipse events County-wide on Monday, April 8, where participants could safely view the solar eclipse and learn more about the astronomical marvel.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks any part of the sun, leaving only the sun’s outer corona visible. Westchester County experienced a partial eclipse between 2 and 4 p.m., with approximately 90% eclipse for a brief period around 3:25 p.m.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “It is rare for a total solar eclipse to be viewable to so many people, and it’s exciting that it was partially visible in our area. Being able to experience it safely at one of our County parks was a great way to celebrate this rare and special phenomenon.”
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “Our Conservation Division does an incredible job of hosting educational events that inform the public of seasonal environmental happenings, and this event was both fun and informative.”
The following Westchester County Parks hosted solar eclipse events on Monday, April 8:
- Cranberry Lake Preserve in North White Plains, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Lasdon Park, Arboretum, and Veterans Memorial in Katonah, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Lenoir Preserve in Yonkers, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Westchester County Parks Department obtained a limited number of viewing glasses or “eclipse glasses” for all events. All events and parking were free.
It is only safe to look at the sun directly through glasses with special-purpose solar filters. In addition to using glasses with special-purpose solar filters, Westchester County encouraged the following safety tips:
- Only use glasses from manufacturers or vendors that are authorized to sell them
- Inspect solar filter before use; if scratched, punctured or damaged, discard it
- Sunglasses, even those with dark lenses, are not safe for looking directly at the sun
- Do not look directly at the sun through an unfiltered camera, smart phone, telescope, binoculars or other optical device
- Solar filters must be securely attached to the front of any camera lens, telescope or binoculars
- Always supervise children using solar filters