Solar Eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse
Monday, April 8, 2024
2 to 4 p.m.
One of nature’s most beautiful wonders and a very rare event will take place in Cortland and across the U.S. when a total solar eclipse takes place Monday, April 8.
The Physics and Art and Art History departments will co-host a viewing event from 2 to 4 p.m. in front of Bowers Hall. The entire eclipse event will take place in Cortland from 2:08 to 4:34 p.m., and the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.
The event will offer campus community members:
- A limited supply of 1,000 SUNY Cortland-branded solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing.
- Telescope viewings of the eclipse.
- Catering with pizza and wings provided by Cortland Auxiliary Services and funded by the Physics and Engineering Club.
- Two 30-minute planetarium shows at 2 and 2:30 p.m. that focus on lunar and solar eclipses, moon phases and star gazing. These shows have limited seating.
The Art Exhibition Association (AEA) also plans to host a pinhole-camera-making workshop leading up to the eclipse. The cameras will offer a safe way to capture a lasting image of an event that won’t be seen again in New York state for more than 50 years.
Learn more on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total eclipse occurs when the moon lines up at the perfect distance between the sun and an area on the Earth to fully hide the sun, resulting in “totality” and a view of the sun’s outer corona. It occurs along a narrow path for a short time, making them rare. Cortland will see 99% of the sun covered by the moon’s shadow.
When will the solar eclipse take place in Cortland?
The entire eclipse event will take place from 2:08 to 4:34 p.m., while the maximum eclipse will be visible for a brief time in Cortland County starting at 3:23 p.m.
How rare is a total solar eclipse?
The next visible solar eclipse after 2024 in the contiguous U.S. will happen in 2044, in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. The next total eclipse through New York state will occur in 2079.
Are there special safety tips during an eclipse?
Yes. Looking directly at an eclipse can cause serious and permanent eye damage, so all members of the campus community are reminded to only view the eclipse through special, protective lenses. Eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses or polarized glasses.
The Physics Department has purchased 1,000 custom eclipse glasses that will be provided for free at the university’s viewing event. Glasses made specifically for solar viewing are safe, and so is projecting the sun’s image onto an indirect surface.
Pedestrians are reminded to be aware of their safety as well. Do not stand in parking lots or roadways. Regular campus parking rules remain in effect.
Learn more about total solar eclipse safety on the NASA website.
Where can I find free solar eclipse glasses?
The university will provide a limited supply of Cortland-branded solar eclipse glasses to campus community members for safe viewing at the event.
Campus community members are encouraged to bring their own safety glasses or pick up a free pair at other locations across the region.
Cortland County Visitors Center
42 Main Street
Cortland, NY 13045
Central New York Welcome Center
9090 Destiny USA Dr, Second Level
Syracuse, NY 13204
Southern Tier Welcome Center
I-81, Northbound (between Pennsylvania State Line and Exit 1)
Kirkwood, NY 13795
View additional locations offering I Love New York eclipse glasses.
Are classes taking place on Monday, April 8?
Yes, SUNY Cortland classes will take place as scheduled on Monday, April 8. Faculty members can encourage students to participate in eclipse-related activities in the mid-afternoon, if their schedules allow.
Timing
The entire eclipse event will take place from 2:08 to 4:34 p.m., while the maximum eclipse is expected to be visible for a brief time in Cortland County starting at 3:23 p.m.
Classes
SUNY Cortland classes will be in session on Monday, April 8. Faculty members can encourage their students to participate in eclipse-related viewing events, if their schedules allow.
Safety
Looking directly at an eclipse can cause serious and permanent eye damage, so the campus community is reminded to only view the eclipse through special, protective lenses.
Learn more
The NASA website includes an interactive map and more details about the 2024 solar eclipse.