Total Solar Eclipse 2024

April 8, 2024

A Message from Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.

Anthonty Picente Photo The northern section of Oneida County will be in the path of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The visible eclipse will occur from 2:07 p.m. to 4:33 p.m., with totality starting about 3:21 p.m. Totality is expected to last about 1 minute and 24 seconds for most of Oneida County.

We are expecting that eclipse viewers will travel to Oneida County, which will result in traffic delays, especially in the area of Routes 12 & 28. County residents who have no plans to view the eclipse should still be aware that this event will impact your daily routine during this time period.

Those viewing the eclipse should take the necessary safety precautions to protect your eyesight and be prepared to deal with the issues that arise from traffic delays, including having the proper amount of food, water, gas or electric charge for your vehicle. It is also crucial to only park where it is legal during viewing, not on the side of the road.

Below you will find everything you need to know to be aware and prepared to have a safe and enjoyable eclipse viewing experience.

Be Aware Be Prepared FAQs Additional Information

Be Aware

A total solar eclipse will happen on Monday, April 8, 2024.
A total solar eclipse is when the moon completely blocks out the sun, causing darkness during the day.
Eclipse Timing: 2:07 p.m. - 4:33 p.m.
Totality / Darkness Timing: 3:21 p.m. – 3:22 p.m. (1 minute and 24 seconds)
What will happen during totality:
- Deep dusk in the sky.
- The temperature may fall by as much as 10 degrees.
- Animals and plants may behave as if it’s nighttime.
- It will feel eerily still with a sense of wonder and awe.
- It will still get dark even if it’s a cloudy day.
The next solar eclipse in Oneida County will be October 26, 2144 (120 years from now).

3:21 pm

Totality / Darkness Starts

1 minute and 24 seconds

Duration of Totality in Oneida County

3:22 pm

Totality / Darkness Ends

Be Prepared

Protect Your Eyes:

Always use ISO-Certified 12312-2 eclipse glasses when looking directly into the sun during the duration of the eclipse. The certification number may also appear as 12312-2:2015.
Sunglasses don’t provide enough protection and you could damage your eyes.
The general recommendation is to have two pairs of eclipse glasses per family. It’s OK to share eclipse glasses if you won’t be looking at the sun the entire time.
Find out where official eclipse glasses are sold:

Where To Buy Glasses Glasses FAQ

Plan for Traffic:

Allow extra time when driving to work, events and appointments.
Traffic is expected to be the heaviest right after totality ends.
Some streets or bridges may be closed for pedestrian viewing.
Consider using 511NY Apps (Apple and Android) to view current travel conditions.
If you plan to be driving during eclipse please remember to:
- Avoid stopping on roadways to view the eclipse.
- Use headlights when driving.
- Fill your gas tank ahead of the eclipse.
- Have water, medications, food and appropriate clothing (boots, hats, blankets) in your vehicle.

Medical Preparations:

Refill prescriptions in advance.
Avoid scheduling non-emergent medical appointments on the afternoon of the eclipse.
If you have a medical condition that may require immediate access to medical assistance, consider staying closer to hospitals or urgent care facilities.

Not a Typical Day:

Some schools in Oneida County have chosen to close for the day and others will be dismissing early. Reach out to your local school district to find out what its status is.
Some business will be closed, work remotely or flex their hours.
Try to not schedule routine deliveries or appointments for this day.
Restaurants and stores may be crowded with visitors.
Cellular phone service could be slow or limited.