Where to Watch
I remember when I was a kid, my parents would grab our sleeping bags and we would lay on the front lawn during a meteor shower trying to see all of the shooting stars. It was some of the best nights — the cool Adirondack air combined with the warmth and coziness of our sleeping bags, the cool snacks mom would bring out, plus we got to stay up way past our bedtimes. Surely we would end up falling asleep out there, and have to be carried to our beds. What can be better than falling asleep under the Adirondack skies? We would see a shooting star here or there, but it was more about the experience of laying under the stars and the memories made with my family.
We are now prepping for one of the biggest astronomical events of the year in The Great American Eclipse of 2017. Being only 22 years old, I wasn't even alive when the last total eclipse took place back in 1979. Now that I am able to see one, you bet I will be experiencing it. As much as I loved seeing meteor showers, I can't wait for this.
This is the first solar eclipse visible from the mainland U.S. since 1979 — do you have plans to see it? It will occur Monday, August 21, and you don't want to miss it.
On February 26, 1979 — the last total eclipse happened where the moon passed between Earth and the sun, therefore totally or partly obscuring the sun. It was mainly seen in the northwestern part of the United States. Fast forward 38 years to 2017, and the northeast United States is getting ready to view the eclipse. With such a large event happening, and being that it clearly doesn't happen often, we have some great events planned that you will not want to miss out on.
Adirondack Public Observatory
The Adirondack Public Observatory is hosting a free event that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Held at the Adirondack Public Observatory on Big Wolf Road, this event will be from 12:30 to 4 p.m. There will be solar telescopes, eclipse glasses for safe solar viewing, educational materials, games, and prizes. What better place to learn about and view the eclipse then the observatory? Join the local astronomers and discover The Great American Eclipse.
While you are in the area, there is the opportunity to experience stargazing at night at the roll-off roof observatory. Because of our lack of light pollution and our super dark skies, we offer some of the best stargazing around. This could add to your astronomy adventure!
The Wild Center
You could also join The Wild Center all day on August 21 and participate in Sunfest. Plan to attend this cosmic event and get one of the best viewing spots, The Wild Walk. The raised treetop walkway will bring you up into the Adirondack treetops, and closer to the sun for optimum eclipse viewing. Put your creativity to work and create your own pinhole camera, build a shadow puppet, or a sun hat. There will be half moon cookies and sun tea to beat the August heat. Wild Center naturalists and staff will have different activities and special programs going on all day, where you can learn the science behind the eclipse.
Being at such a high elevation in the Adirondack Mountains, we have an opportunity to experience the eclipse that's not like other areas. I always say we are lucky to live here, but when we have the opportunity to see some of nature's greatest work, I believe we are definitely lucky to have the backyard and the views that we do. As much as I enjoyed laying in my sleeping bag at night watching shooting stars when I was 7, I cannot wait to see the eclipse at 22.
Come Visit
Join us at one of our events going on in town, or grab a blanket and lay outside for the day. Either way, we hope you experience The Great American Eclipse of 2017.
There is still time to plan your trip to discover Tupper Lake and The Great American Eclipse of 2017. Book a hotel or reserve a campsite, grab a meal, and check out the Adirondack Public Observatory or The Wild Center for more information on their events.