Monday's parting shot

Photo by Steven 

Eclipse viewing from Tompkins Square Park this afternoon...

Eclipse in progress on St. Mark's Place

Photos by Donald Davis 

The scene along St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue this afternoon  ... with Mark Meretzky at the telescope (safely) projecting images...

As noted, the best time to watch the total solar eclipse in NYC is between 2:45 and 3:30. 

Updated: Moving to First Avenue as the sun faded behind the buildings...

Reminders: People will be saying things like 'path of totality' today

ICYMI (if so, HOW?): Today, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. 

First, an explainer via NASA: 

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People located in the center of the Moon's shadow when it hits Earth will experience a total eclipse. The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the Sun's corona, the outer atmosphere, which is otherwise usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun. A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses (which are not the same as regular sunglasses) for the brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun. 

As the above map shows, the East Village is NOT in the path of totality. Still, we (and other NYC residents!) will get 90% coverage.

Here are a few details from Curbed's eclipse explainer: 

What time is it happening? 

In New York City, the eclipse will begin just after 2 p.m. and finish at around 4:36 p.m. But the best time to watch will be between 2:45 and 3:30. 

Where can I get eclipse glasses? 

You can pick them up first come, first served at your local public library branch (check to see when and where) and the MTA Long Island Rail Road ticket windows at Moynihan Train Hall. Warby Parker is also giving them away at all its stores. (Everything is going fast, so we suggest calling in advance to see if there are glasses left or getting to any giveaway events early.) Or you can buy glasses that have an ISO rating from the certified vendors listed by the American Astronomical Society. But beware: The counterfeit-eclipse-glasses market is a real thing. (Actually use them. Every time an eclipse happens, people have looked straight into the sun to their own demise...)

Re: Eclipse glasses — the Tompkins Square Library branch is out... and Ottendorfer just had a few left as of Saturday.

The weather plays a significant role in all this.  Good news here, via CBS News:

Luckily, the weather forecast is on our side. High pressure is forecast to bring us a dry day with temperatures in the 60s. A few high clouds may drift by, but we are rain-free. We can expect mostly sunny skies, with a high around 64.

We have not heard about any official viewing parties in the East Village (there are official city parks viewing events, though they promise to be well-attended) ... you'll likely run into some people out in open spaces (along Houston at First Avenue by Peretz Square?) with unobstructed views.

The NYC 311 site has some more info, too.