On April 8, 2024, a rare total eclipse of the sun will be on a path of totality over western Monroe County. During the eclipse, temperatures drop significantly, animals act as if it were nightfall, planets and stars become visible, a diamond ring effect occurs, and a 360-degree sunset appears. During the moments of totality, which will occur directly over Brockport and Clarkson, the sun will be completely blocked by the moon. Many observers report exquisitely odd and wondrous sensations of solar emissions.
The last total solar eclipse of this kind that occurred in New York State was in 1925. The next solar eclipse in New York will be in 2079. This is a once in a lifetime event for New Yorkers, and especially for those of us living right here on the line of totality.
Meetings have already begun to prepare for this once-in-a-generation tourism event. A meeting held in February at the Clarkson Town Hall included county and town officials; local police authorities; the RMSC President, astronomer Hilary Olson; Director of Public Relations of Visit Rochester, Rachel Laber Pulvino; and SUNY Brockport’s Events Manager, Stuart Soloway. It is anticipated that the area could possibly have half a million tourists coming in to view the eclipse at the line of totality.
During the Great North American Eclipse in 2017, the cities that had the highest visibility and totality saw between 400,000 and a million visitors and had an economic impact of millions of dollars.
Meetings will continue throughout the next year so that businesses, lodging, roadways and residents are prepared. For more information on the eclipse, visit http://www.rochestereclipse2024.org.
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