In preparation for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, Gov. Kathy Hochol has announced that the state will distribute limited-edition I LOVE NY eclipse glasses at 30 locations throughout the state – including New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas along the NYS Thruway.
In the same announcement, the governor moved to remind stargazers to be wary of scams, fake merchandise and phony accommodation listings and urged New Yorkers to take proper safety precautions during the eclipse.
“The total solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-generation experience for our state, and it’s critical that New Yorkers have the tools and information to enjoy it safely,” Governor Hochul said. “From heightening awareness of scams to providing thousands of New Yorkers with eclipse glasses, I’m focused on giving everyone the resources they need to safely experience this extraordinary event.”
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will encompass the western and northern parts of New York State with the roughly 100-mile wide path of totality entering in the southwestern part of the state at just after 3:15 p.m. and departing northern New York just before 3:30 p.m. Cities and towns within this path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. The entire event will last for up to 2 ½ hours, marking the time the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast.
I LOVE NY Eclipse Glasses
During the eclipse, it is especially unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection and can result in serious injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer – regular sunglasses are not a safe replacement.
A limited quantity of I LOVE NY eclipse glasses will be available beginning today at locations throughout the state, including New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas along the New York State Thruway (at the Applegreen C-Stores). A full list of locations distributing I LOVE NY glasses, as well as other sources for eclipse glasses, are available here. Glasses will be limited to two pairs per person, while supplies last, with a limited amount distributed daily. The glasses were approved by the New York State Department of Health and carry an ISO certification.
A digital marketing campaign was launched in January to promote general awareness of the eclipse and viewing options across New York State. Messaging of the campaign has expanded to include safety and preparedness information as well as information on eclipse glasses distribution. The campaign will continue to run up until the eclipse on April 8.
Protecting Stargazers From Scams
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips for the hundreds of thousands of consumers planning to travel to New York State to witness the solar eclipse over New York. Consumers need to be informed of their rights, shop smartly to safeguard their hard-earned money and stay vigilant to protect themselves from scams.
According to the Better Business Bureau, scams associated with the 2024 solar eclipse may include:
- Travel Scams: Scammers may advertise discounted travel packages or transportation services for viewing the eclipse, only to disappear with customers’ money or provide subpar services.
- Fake Merchandise: Unscrupulous vendors might sell counterfeit or overpriced eclipse-themed merchandise.
- Phony Accommodation Listings: Scammers could create false hotel or rental listings claiming to have optimal views of the eclipse while these listings may not exist or properties may not be as described, or the lister is not really the owner.
To safeguard against these scams, consumer should:
- Try to pay with a credit card. Credit cards often offer more protection than paying by cash, check or debit card. Some credit card companies also offer perks like trip insurance or concierge service while traveling and may offer additional protections if the trip is cancelled. Check with your credit card company on the conditions of travel expenditure reimbursement.
- Purchasing Merchandise. Purchase eclipse viewing glasses and other related products only from reputable vendors or verified sources. Look to see if the glasses include the ISO stamp and message When seeking eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, your best bet is to start with the AAS list of suppliers so you can be sure your viewers are safe.
- Personal Information. Exercise caution when providing personal or financial information online. This advice is good all year round, not just for the eclipse.
- Do Your Research. Verify the legitimacy of accommodation listings by researching the property and reading reviews from trusted sources.
Any consumer who encounters a marketplace problem while enjoying the eclipse in New York can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.
Additional Preparations for Total Solar Eclipse
New York State is committed to providing a safe and fun eclipse experience, recognizing the convergence of public safety and tourism promotion. Travelers are encouraged to plan an extended getaway for a more enjoyable event, including avoiding post-eclipse traffic like the massive backups following the Great Eclipse of 2017, which bisected the United States from Oregon to South Carolina.
Educational Information and Viewing
Earlier this month, Governor Hochul announced the eclipse events and activities scheduled at New York’s State Parks, in coordination with NASA. I LOVE NY has launched the multi-platform “Come for the Eclipse, Stay for New York” campaign to present New York as THE place to be to witness this event. The campaign and a special eclipse website highlight viewing location information in the five regions that will experience the path of totality, a variety of attractions and special eclipse-related events happening across the state across its digital platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter/X. A downloadable special edition eclipse poster is also available, created through I LOVE NY’s partnership with acclaimed artist and professional astronomer Dr. Tyler Nordgren. Visit iloveny.com/eclipse for viewing locations and additional safety tips.
