New Yorkers, tourists get excited to watch solar eclipse, a better show than in 2017
NEW YORK (WABC) -- With all the exciting things New Yorkers and tourists see on a daily basis, the upcoming solar eclipse is topping the list.
Monday's solar eclipse is set to be a much better experience than the solar eclipse in 2017.
People packed open lawns to look up on Aug. 21, 2017. At the time, the moon covered less of the sun than it will this Monday. The 2017 total eclipse time was also smaller.
This is all the more reason to take in Monday's spectacle. But will the forecast cooperate?
Although New York City is predicted to get 97% cloud cover at 3 p.m. on Monday, Meteorologist Dani Beckstrom is optimistic about a fair viewing experience for spectators amid the high clouds.
ECLIPSE FORECAST | Solar eclipse preparations underway across New York, Tri-State area as cloudy weather looms
The next time a solar eclipse passes over the United States will be 2044.
Free eclipse glasses distributed at the MTA Long Island Rail Road ticket windows inside the Moynihan Train Hall quickly ran out on Sunday after a long line of people tried to get their hands on a complimentary pair.
Many couples were out hunting for eclipse glasses that they hoped to get free at Warby Parker - but they also ran out.
ALSO READ | How to make eclipse glasses out of a cereal box
Needless to say, people are still very excited.
When the moon fully obscures the sun on Monday, it will take Gennaro Farra back to 1976 in Melbourne when he was 9.
"That's something I remember vividly," Farra says.
Monday's total solar eclipse has New Yorkers feeling excited.
Ashley Valle will not be one of the million people flocking to Niagara Falls for one of the best vantage points.
ALSO READ | Are you in the path of totality? What to know about next week's total solar eclipse
"I wish I was," she added.
Valle, like so many others are going to take in the moment when it feels like the world comes to a stop.
Even if it is not the best view in the city, Vanessa Rouzenrouch says she will not miss this moment.
"Now (the kids) get to see it," she said.
ALSO READ | Everything to know about the 2024 total solar eclipse
A pair of centenarians, Dot Pelkey and Laverne Biser, are also set to watch the celestial spectacle.
Back in 1932, Pelkey witnessed her first total solar eclipse as it passed through northern New England. She was just 10 years old at the time.
While this will be Dot's second solar eclipse, Biser is preparing for his 13th.
For them, age is just a number, but viewing a celestial spectacle like a solar eclipse is a special and exciting opportunity.
"You see one, you want to see them all. They are so pretty," Biser said. "When it goes total and the corona comes out, everybody goes 'Holy, look at that! Holy mackerel look at that,' and then cameras start clicking and everybody is yelling."
How to find the best solar eclipse viewing spot near you
As excitement builds for the total solar eclipse on Monday, the Tri-State area may have some of the more favorable viewing spots in the country.
And the New York City area, though 10% shy of totality, will enjoy a great shot of taking in the celestial spectacle, with darkening skies, dropping temperatures and wild animals reacting to the sudden dimming.
Chief Meteorologist Lee Goldberg will cover the eclipse from Syracuse, New York, while meteorologist Brittany Bell will be reporting from Niagara Falls. Plus, we invite you to watch
ABC News and National Geographic's "Eclipse Across America" live on April 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu.
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