Spectators Gather At Jones Beach For Long Island's 2024 Solar Eclipse

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. - Following much anticipation, hundreds of Long Islanders witnessed the 2024 Solar Eclipse from Jones Beach on Monday afternoon.

Hundreds of eager spectators gathered in various parking fields at Jones Beach State Park with their eyes, telescopes, and cameras trained on the skies above, anticipating the 2024 Solar Eclipse. Joined by millions across the United States, the Jones Beach spectators set up picnics, blankets, and beach chairs ahead of the relatively uncommon celestial event.

Photo byPriority News Network

As the moon began its slow journey across the face of the sun, the atmosphere at Jones Beach State Park buzzed with excitement. Despite being only a partial solar eclipse, with NASA reporting an 89% coverage of the sun, the event was nothing short of awe-inspiring for those in attendance.

Photo byPriority News Network

"This is the second eclipse I've been able to see in my lifetime and I'm hoping for many more," Dylan Bostick, a spectator who traveled from Queens said. "It's what I think is one of the most amazing things we can see in our lifetime."

Photo byPriority News Network

Guiding spectators through the cosmic event were educators and Park Rangers from New York State at the Energy & Nature Center. With special viewing glasses designed to protect the eyes from the sun's intense rays, as well as a telescope to offer a closer glimpse of the celestial dance unfolding above, the educators ensured that everyone had the opportunity to witness the eclipse safely while answering questions from spectators.

Photo byPriority News Network

Across Long Island, spectators flocked to the south shore beaches to get a better view. Despite the intermittent cloud coverage, Long Islanders got their view of the partial eclipse.

Photo byPriority News Network

The next total solar eclipse is expected to occur over the continental United States in 2044.