2024 Solar Eclipse: What is the Path of Totality?
You’ve got questions; we’ve got answers about the total solar eclipse in the Adirondack Park.
If you haven’t already, make sure you’ve saved the date — April 8, 2024 — for the next total solar eclipse. The eclipse will sweep over the Adirondack region, and we will be shrouded in darkness for over 3 minutes in some key areas, such as Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Long Lake. Total solar eclipses are rare; we can’t wait to witness this amazing phenomenon.
After 2024, the next total solar eclipse won't pass over the United States until 2044, and the Adirondack Park won't be in the path of totality again until 2099. So, unless you were born in 2022, plan to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event in April 2024 in the Adirondack Park.
What exactly is a total solar eclipse?
Solar eclipses are either total or annular, depending on the distance between the Sun, Earth, and the Moon. In a total eclipse, the Moon fully covers the Sun, while in an annular eclipse, the Moon only partially covers it, leaving a ring of light visible in the sky. In April of 2024, the U.S. will experience a total solar eclipse.
What is the Path of Totality, and where will it pass over the Adirondack Mountains?
During a solar eclipse, when the moon completely covers the Sun, it creates a shadow, known as the umbra, on the surface of the earth. This rare and awe-inspiring phenomenon happens when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align in such a way that the Moon, in its orbit, passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. As the moon continues its orbit, the shadow moves across the earth, creating the Path of Totality.
Check out this very cool video that tracks the Path of Totality as it crosses North America, including some of our favorite spots like Mason, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Dayton and Akron, Ohio; Buffalo, NY; and then onward to Boonville, Lowville, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Malone, Schroon Lake, Blue Mountain Lake and many other ADK locations.
A large part of the Adirondacks will be in the path of totality, which has several phases.
Phase one in the Path of Totality — first contact (aka partial eclipse):
As the moon begins to move in front of the sun, a small curved section of the sun starts to disappear, marking the beginning of the partial eclipse.
Second contact (Total Eclipse begins):
At the moment of second contact, a truly awe-inspiring event takes place - the total solar eclipse begins. As the moon gradually makes its way across the sun's face, the world around you begins to darken. And then, suddenly, the moon fully covers the sun, plunging the area into an eerie and captivating darkness. This is the onset of the total eclipse, a rare and unforgettable experience that few get to witness in their lifetime.
Totality:
Within the path of totality, observers experience the most dramatic phase – Totality. The sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, becomes visible as a delicate, ethereal halo around the moon's black disk. The sky darkens, stars become visible, and the temperature drops, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere.
Totality is the only time it is safe to view the sun with the naked eye, revealing its outer layers, usually hidden by its intense brightness.
Third contact (Total Eclipse ends):
After the exhilarating moments of totality, the moon starts to move away from the sun. The return of sunlight begins, marking the end of the total eclipse.
Fourth contact (Partial Eclipse ends):
The moon continues its journey across the sun until it entirely moves away. The eclipse enters its final phase, known as the partial eclipse, as the sun re-emerges from behind the moon.
It's important to note that while the Path of Totality is relatively narrow, often spanning only a few dozen miles in width, observers outside but close to the path will still witness a significant eclipse.
For example, Indian Lake is on the Path of Totality, but nearby Speculator is not. However, observers in Speculator will see a 99%+ eclipse.
Want to know what you will observe in your corner of the Adirondacks? Check out this interactive tool that simulates the eclipse experience based on your location.
The experience of Totality, with its eerie darkness and celestial displays, is a rare and unforgettable event that attracts enthusiasts and astronomers worldwide.
Rock out and look skyward: Our ultimate Total Solar Eclipse playlist on Spotify.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do near the Path of Totality in the Adirondack Park.
A tradition of boating craftsmanship and endurance in the Adirondack Tri-Lakes and High Peaks.
Timberlock is a rustic-style resort (but never uncomfortable) that enables guests to connect to the magnificent lakeside setting and focus on time with family and friends.
Indulge yourself at this historic grand hotel in the HIgh Peaks and Tri-Lakes region of the Adirondack Park.
Stay at this beautifully renovated historic resort on the shores of scenic Schroon Lake.
Culinary wizardry, hand-crafted cocktails, and outstanding service at this Tupper Lake newcomer.
Tupper Lake’s James C. Frenette Trails provide an ideal opportunity to experience Adirondack back country life.
Trailhead in Tupper Lake combines modernity with delightful pleasures for an excellent stay in the ADK.
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival has drawn visitors to the Adirondacks for over 125 years.
Sister store to the renowned ADK retail mecca in a historic location in downtown Tupper Lake.
A delicious slice of Paris in Saranac Lake. Left Bank Café is a french bistro in the heart of the Adirondacks.
The Adirondack Park is filled with tales of otherworldly figures and strange occurrences.
The Town of Long Lake introduces a unique art exhibit pairing the Adirondack Mountains’ natural beauty with the works of local artists.
Whitehall, NY, is a destination for Bigfoot enthusiasts. And it’s not the only place Sasquatch has been sighted in the ADK.
The Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory is “Eclipse Central” during the 2024 Great North American Eclipse.
Tupper Lake is ideally suited for stargazing. And the Adirondack Sky Center offers a fantastic facility for exploring the cosmos.
Upcoming events in the Adirondack Park.
Experience equestrian excellence at the Lake Placid and I Love NY Horse Shows surrounding the July 4th Holiday.
Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain hosts their four-day celebration of the 4th of July starting on July 1.
Fort Ticonderoga in the Adirondacks commemorates the eve of the American Revolution with a unique food event.
Local and regional artists converge to unveil their exceptional creations in the Adirondacks.
Fort Ticonderoga brings the Bravo-Real-Housewives-worthy drama with its “Drinsk + Drama” program. They will dish the dirt on all the scandals and hanky-panky that went down at Fort Ti.
Eventually Epic brings eclectic rock songs across diverse musical genres, ranging from classic rock to contemporary pop to (Hindi) Bollywood tunes, to Lake George’s Summer Concert Series.
Enjoy a free concert at Great Camp Sagamore featuring Drank the Gold performing North Atlantic dance tunes and folk songs.
Celebrate the 4th with family-friendly field games, fun contests, refreshments, live music and fireworks.
Enjoy the 4th of July on Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks with an Independence Day parade and a town-wide celebration.
Experience Independence Day at an iconic Adirondack lakefront town with music, magic and fireworks.
Celebrate the 4th of July in Ticonderoga — parades, food, live music, fireworks and more.
Attend a reading of the original Declaration of Independence in honor of July 4 at Fort William Henry on Lake George.
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Lake Placid with a home-town parade, live music and a fireworks spectacular.
Celebrate Independence Day at Tupper Lake’s Waterfront Park. Enjoy fireworks, live music and a baseball game.
Immerse yourself in Long Lake’s Totally Awesome 4th of July Celebration in the Central Adirondacks.
Lake George Village’s spectacular 4th of July Fireworks Show is a perennial favorite in the Southern Adirondacks.
If you didn’t get enough fireworks in on July 4th, continue the Holiday with a dazzling fireworks display at Silver Bay on Lake George on July 5.
Authentic Irish pub with an Adirondack twist in Schroon Lake.