A guide to where to watch the Solar Eclipse in NYC

August 21, 2017

The week could not be over without me sharing a brand new post on here. For that reason I thought it would be a good idea to compile a list of the places where you can watch tomorrow’s solar eclipse.

In case you were living under a rock, you need to know that there is an amazing and rare astronomical event happening TOMORROW in the United States. After 99 years, people living in this country are able to see a total SOLAR ECLIPSE. The event has been denominated as “The Great American Eclipse” and here in NYC we are lucky enough to be able to see it.

Although we have a partial view of it, 70% of the sun will be covered while the moon passes between it and the earth (Awesome huh?), we still can see it. The chances of you seeing a phenomenon like this again are rare, since the last time NYC experienced one was in 1925.

So I did my research and compile a list of where to watch it:

NOTE: Be aware, the best time to see the eclipse is between 1:30pm and 4:00pm. Forecast is looking good and it seems like the sky will be clear enough for us to be part of it

FOR FREE:

Any park in NYC: here some that I found on NYC Park & Recreation’s website:

-The Bronx:

The Parade Ground at Van Cortlandt Park: huge grounds (66 acre battlefield, not only large but historic, as it was used for training during the World War I)

-Brooklyn:

Sunset Park: beautiful background of the Manhattan Skyline
American Veterans Memorial Pier: a 360 skyline view with picnic tables

Manhattan:

Battery Park: with nice view of Lady Liberty
Sheep Meadow, Central Park: perfect place to spot the eclipse in the concrete jungle. Remark: it might be packed!
East River Park: one of my favorite places in the city. There are picnic tables, you can ride a bike, or simply seat down at the many benches or bring your own chair to watch the eclipse.
Inwood Hill Park: a less crowded place in Manhattan is the Inwood Hill Park, must go all the way uptown to catch a glimpse of the eclipse.
Forty Tyron Park: located on the west side and overlooking the Hudson River is also a good park option in the city with less people.

Queens:

Flushing Meadows Park: watch the eclipse with the iconic Unisphere in the background. You can also stay there to do other activities, such as visit the New York Hall Museum of Science or go to the Queens Zoo.
Piers: There are several piers in NYC, head to one on the West Side overlooking the Hudson River and watch the solar eclipse from there.
New York Public Libraries: Pelham Bay branch and the Brooklyn Public Library in Clinton Hill are hosting free viewing parties, all ages welcome, and includes viewing glasses

PAID PLACES:

American Museum of Natural History: Hayden Planetarium: I mean what better place than this. However, you need to get there SUPER EARLY, as the event starts at noon. To enter you must paid the museum entrance and be aware that seats are limited.
Hotel Rooftops Viewing Parties: watch the eclipse at a trendy rooftop and sip some delicious cocktails while at it:
Hotel Americano: the event is poolside and drinks from Grey Goose will be served. RSVP here: http://ow.ly/McKT30ey571
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: for 35 dollars you get a specialty cocktail called “Frozen Eclipse” and a pair of Solar Eclipse sunglasses. Details here: http://ow.ly/a6kg30ey5eF
Pod 39 Hotel- Salvation Taco: 10 dollar drink specials for “Tequila Eclipse of the Heart” and “Over the Moon”
Lovage’s Rooftop: 12 dollar entrance fee and you get a pair of solar glasses and a “Solar Eclipse of My Heart” cocktail. Plus the nice views of the NYC’s landmarks.
Amateur Astronomers Association of New York at Pioneer Works: you will be watching the eclipse at this viewing party with a bunch of smart people who are really into this type of event. They are bringing eclipse glasses and telescope with solar filters. Food will be provided by Red Hook Snack Bar and drinks by PW Bar.
City Vineyard: located at Pier 26 in the Hudson River Park will be hosting a viewing party on the rooftop. Viewing glasses are given out for free but it’s first come, first served basis. RSVP here: http://ow.ly/duTE30ey5F5
The Rooftop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: this place is one of my favorites in the city and you may watch the eclipse from here. They will be serving beverages too and you will have an amazing view of Central Park and the city.
Governors Island: for only 5 dollars you can get a ferry ride to Governor’s island. The amazing view of the Lower Manhattan plus the massive amount of spaces where to watch the eclipse make this a perfect spot to do so.

Please, be sure to take with you solar filters and viewers. Here’s a site where you can find reputable vendors: https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters If you want FREE solar glasses then might be lucky and find a free pair at WARBY PARKER, find the newest store location here: http://ow.ly/7H3r30ey4Tt

Enter to Time’s magazine site to see what will be the perfect time to see the eclipse from the area you will be, just enter your zipcode: http://ow.ly/UBqu30ey3PH

Enjoy!

–Peruvian Chica in NYC