We are on the brink of witnessing a celestial phenomenon that turns day into night – a total solar eclipse, an event that is truly once in a lifetime, happening in the same place only once every 400 years. While our campus in Valhalla, New York, will not be in the path of totality for the Great North American Eclipse on April 8, 2024, we will experience a significant partial eclipse, bringing us close to the awe-inspiring darkness associated with this cosmic event.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, SUNY Westchester Community College is thrilled to announce, "Eclipse Encounter 2024," an eclipse-viewing event being held at our 5 locations across Westchester. This is your chance to be part of history, to witness the moon’s shadow cast upon the Earth, and to engage with the wonders of our universe in a way that few experiences can offer.

This event promises an educational and exhilarating experience for all. Professor Laurel Robinson from our Science department will enlighten us with a short lecture streamed live to all SUNY Westchester locations, offering expert insights into the eclipse, its history, and its significance. To ensure everyone can safely enjoy this spectacle, we will provide SUNY Westchester branded eclipse-viewing sunglasses at each location.

The Harold L. Drimmer Library has also curated a special digital information collection on solar eclipses, accessible online at https://library.sunywcc.edu/Eclipse2024 or in person for those wishing to deepen their understanding of this celestial event.

Why Attend?
The Great North American Eclipse offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with an astronomical event of this scale. Although SUNY Westchester Community College is just south of the path of totality, our campus will witness a dramatic partial eclipse, offering a unique educational and communal experience. This is not only a chance to witness the partial darkening of the sun by the moon but also a moment to come together as a community and share in the wonder of our universe.

We encourage all students, faculty, staff, and community members to join us for Eclipse Encounter 2024. Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about the stars, we hope that you’ll join us!