Syracuse Astronomical Society explains why solar eclipse is exciting, unusual

TULLY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — It’ll be a longtime before the moon completely blocks the sun’s face and we go dark here in Central New York, making this year’s total solar eclipse a rare and incredible event for many.

In just 30 days, history will be made in Central New York.

“It will be something that you will carry for the rest of your life,” said Raymond Dague, Observatory Director of the Syracuse Astronomical Society.

This year’s total solar eclipse, it’s an incredible event that’s happening right in our own backyard. But some are still wondering what the hype is all about.

“It’s very unusual that it happens at any given spot on the planet. The next one that will hit New York State will be in 2079,” said Dague.

That’s 55 years from now, making this a once-in-a-lifetime event for many, and it’s something the Syracuse Astronomical Society says we should embrace.

“I’ve heard of people who sit in their living room or their in school or whatever the case may be, and the event happens, and they don’t go out and look at it. Personally, when something is extraordinary and unusual, I think we as human beings want to grab a hold of it. And this is a great way to grab a hold of a piece of astronomy that anyone can do,” said Dague.

But this event doesn’t just bring excitement, it can bring emotion as well.

“You can sort of get overwhelmed by it,” said Dague.

But why?

“The landscape changes, it gets dark around you, birds will start singing that weren’t before, it gets colder very briefly, it will get much cooler,” said Dague.

And for those wanting to get the full experience.

“The way an eclipse works is that you want absolute totality or you’ve missed the whole event,” said Dague.

Something you may never see again.

Click here to learn more about the Syracuse Astronomical Society.

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