Central New Yorkers eager to learn more about upcoming total solar eclipse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – Central New Yorkers are eager and curious to learn everything they can about the total solar eclipse before it arrives right over their own backyards.

“Well, I’m excited about the eclipse, and I want to gather any information that’s easy enough to gather, that’s easy to get, so I do it right,” Jim Reilly said. “This is my last one. I saw one once before, but this is my last one, so I want to do it right.”

Reilly is thrilled to experience his second total solar eclipse with his daughter and granddaughter.

“But when that shadow came across the field and passed over you and went from getting too dark to suddenly dark, dark enough where you look up and the stars are out, it was really weird and incredible, so if you have a chance to see one of these, don’t miss it,” Reilly said.

Those who attended the solar eclipse information session got to take home a pair of eclipse glasses so they can safely view the once-in-a-lifetime event.

“We were trying to prepare, and we actually have friends coming in from Connecticut so they’re coming in as well to see us and because of the eclipse, and so I wanted to have resources for them too,” Stephanie Hitztaler said.

Learning about more than simply what will happen when they look up wearing their solar glasses.

“Know what to expect not just in terms of what’s going to be up in the sky but what people are going to be doing on the ground and how to avoid some of the major congestion and everything,” Hitztaler added.

The countdown for totality continues!