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Total Eclipse 2024 in Pittsford

Celebrating the Total Eclipse 2024 in Pittsford!

If you share any Pittsford eclipse photos online, be sure to tag them! Use #pittsfordeclipse2024.

Town Facility Closures for Eclipse.

Free eclipse glasses for Pittsford residents 4/5 & 4/6!

Check out our Pittsford Eclipse Viewing Map!

Check out our Pittsford Eclipse Viewing Sites Info sheet!

Check out our Eclipse Safety Tips!

More Eclipse Viewing in Pittsford details below!

Pittsford sits squarely in the path of totality of the solar eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024. The Town is celebrating with programs and activities highlighting the science behind the event and the wonder of learning about the natural world. How do we know the eclipse will happen on April 8? How do we know the very minute it starts? Why does it happen? Learn the answers and much more as you join us for the Town’s totally fun Total Eclipse Community Celebration featuring eclipse-themed offerings from now through April!

See below our list of programs and activities underway now through April 8, 2024 and check our eNews and social media pages for updates about eclipse-themed programs, activities, speakers and more from our Recreation Department and Pittsford Community Library staff teams.

Programs are open to the public and free unless otherwise indicated.

Join us for:

Special Spring Break Camp
Senior lunch program
Story Stroll
Eclipse-themed crafts and activities for kids and teens
Community Art activity
Trivia Night
Favorite Space Films Panel Discussion
A visit with a NASA Solar System Ambassador
A range of knowledgeable and inspiring speakers
And more!

See full programs and activities information below.

It’s been almost 100 years since Pittsford was in the path of totality and it won't happen again until 2144! Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime display of Nature in all its majesty.

Eclipse Viewing in Pittsford

If you’ll be in Pittsford for the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, there are plenty of great places to view this amazing once-in-a-lifetime event. The best and easiest location may be from your home. But if you’re looking for other options, our Town parks will be open, as will some other areas for viewing. See below for viewing site locations, information and tips.

Viewing Sites Info:
Pittsford Eclipse Viewing Map
Pittsford Eclipse Viewing Sites Info sheet

Make an Eclipse Pinhole Viewer!

Sometimes it takes a dramatic once-in-a-lifetime celestial event to remind us that science is fun! Making a DIY pinhole projector is a fun and safe way to view the moon as it slowly comes in between the earth and the sun, seemingly turning day into night.

It’s easy to make an eclipse viewer with basic household materials. We found simple step-by-step instructions from National Geographic Kids that walk you through the process – see them here: www.kids.nationalgeographic.com/space/article/solar-eclipse-viewer. This a terrific project for families, teachers and amateur astronomers alike. All you need to make an eclipse viewer is a cardboard box, a sheet of blank, white paper, scissors, a pencil, aluminum foil, tape and a push pin. Assemble and experience another fun way to view the eclipse!

Eclipse Safety Tips

Stay Safe During the Solar Eclipse
The April 8 Total Solar Eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event. We want everyone to enjoy it safely. Please see below some brief tips for eye safety, traffic safety, and crime prevention during the eclipse. For more detailed information, see our Eclipse Safety Tips sheet.

EYE SAFETY:

Never stare directly at the sun without wearing Eclipse glasses.
Use only ISO 12312-2-certified Eclipse glasses when viewing the eclipse.
Inspect your solar glasses. Do not use if there are any scratches, holes, or tears.
Help and closely monitor children to ensure they’re wearing solar eclipse glasses correctly.
DO NOT look through telescopes, binoculars, and cameras (even while wearing solar eclipse glasses!) without a filter made especially for those devices.
Consider making a pinhole projector – an easy eclipse-viewing device made with common household items. It provides an entirely safe way to view the eclipse.

TRAFFIC SAFETY:

On April 8, plan and give yourself extra time during your morning and evening commutes.
Fill your gas tank before April 8.
Limit driving on the day of the eclipse.
Be alert for distracted drivers and pedestrians during the eclipse.
Do NOT pull over to the side of the road to view the eclipse.

CRIME PREVENTION:

While you’re watching the sky, there are others who will be watching you, your car or your house for criminal opportunity.

Stay aware of your surroundings.
Travel and remain in a group.
Keep your belongings secure.
Lock your car and secure your home before leaving.
Stay informed about local safety advisories and recommendations from local authorities.
The number of visitors is expected to overwhelm cell phone systems. Expect interruption of service. Please refrain from uploading footage of the eclipse to social media or livestreaming during the event. Interrupted coverage endangers those in need of urgent services.
Even when the system is jammed, 911 calls get priority. In an emergency, call 911.

Programs and Activities

The Spiegel Pittsford Community Center is located at 35 Lincoln Avenue.
The Pittsford Community Library is located at 24 State Street.

Programs are open to the public and free unless otherwise indicated.

ROC the Eclipse: Preparing for Totality
Tuesday, February 6
6:30-7:30pm
Pittsford Community Library
Fisher Meeting Room
All ages program.
Join us as Dan Schneiderman, Eclipse Partnership Coordinator at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, discusses the science and history of solar eclipses, the impact the 2024 eclipse will have on our region, and how to prepare for this extraordinary astronomical experience.

2024 Solar Eclipse Trivia Night
Monday, February 26
6:30-7:30pm
Pittsford Community Library
Fisher Meeting Room
Adults program.
Compete in teams to be crowned the champions of eclipse-related trivia! Hosted by adult services librarian Jim. Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

Teen Community Service
Tuesdays, February 27, March 12 & 26
3:30-4:30pm
Pittsford Community Library
Learning Center
Teens program.
Make protective envelopes for eclipse viewing glasses while earning one hour of service credit. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Register online for February 27 here, for March 12 here, or for March 26 here, or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

Countdown to Totality: Escape the Glare
Monday and Tuesday, March 4 and 5
Choose a 20 minute time slot: 3:00-7:30 on Monday, 12:00-4:30 on Tuesday
Pittsford Community Library
Fletcher Steele Room
All ages program.
The eclipse is rapidly approaching, but your eclipse viewing glasses have been trapped in a locked box. Can you find the clues, solve the puzzles, and break into the box before the clock runs out? This break-in room activity can be completed by groups of 2-6. Best for ages 7 & up, but all are welcome. Registration required. Register online for March 4 here; register online for March 5 here – or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

Solar/Lunar Polymer Clay Earrings
Wednesday, March 6
5:00-6:00pm
Pittsford Community Library
Learning Center
Adults program.
Make your own eclipse jewelry using polymer clay. All materials provided. Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

ROC City Eclipse 2024
Saturday, March 9
2:00-3:00pm
Pittsford Community Library
Fisher Meeting Room
Adults program.
Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Jim Porter to discover the once in a lifetime opportunity that awaits on April 8, 2024 when the sun and moon align for the first total solar eclipse in Rochester in over 100 years. Jim Porter worked as an aerospace engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA and Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

Eclipse Story and Craft
Wednesdays, March 20 & 27; 9:30-10:00am
Fisher Meeting Room
Children’s program, best for ages 2-5.
Join us for an eclipse themed story time and craft. Learn about the solar eclipse occurring in April and make a fun craft after. There will be stickers, crayons, glue sticks, and paper for your kids to use. Best for ages 2-5. Caregivers and siblings are welcome. Registration required. Register online for March 20 here; register online for March 27 here – or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

Eclipse Activity Box
March 21 registration deadline, March 27 materials pickup
Spiegel Pittsford Community Center
Activity #210212-01
Fee: $15
Registration begins March 4.
Looking for fun activities to do at home? Look no further! The Town of Pittsford Recreation staff will create a box with eclipse-themed activities for your child to do at home! Cost is $15 per Activity Box. Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Spiegel Pittsford Community Center once registration opens on March 4. Register by March 21, pick up activity box on Wednesday, March 27.

Eclipse Story Stroll
“Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story”
March 25 - April 9
Spiegel Pittsford Community Center
Back field
All ages program.
Join us for a story in the field located at the Pittsford Community Center. Walk around and read a book at your leisure, once you have finished the story come to the front desk for your fun craft bag.

Out-of-this-World Film Panel
Thursday, March 28
6:30-7:30pm
Pittsford Community Library
Fisher Meeting Room
Adults program.
Adam Lubitow, a projectionist a The Little Theater, Ben Scrivens, President of Fright-Rags, the Rochester-based company focused on horror-related apparel, and local artist John Magnus Champlin join forces for a panel to discuss all their favorite space films! Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

2024 Eclipse Community Art
Saturday, March 30
10:30am-12:00pm
Pittsford Community Library
Fisher Meeting Room
All ages program.
Join Tim Lynch of Tenderchomps Art in creating a mural celebrating the 2024 eclipse. Participants will get a panel and art supplies to complete a portion of the larger mural. A space-themed documentary will play on the big screen and treats will be provided. For all ages. Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

Exploring the Science of the Eclipse
Saturday, March 30; 1:00-1:45pm
Pittsford Community Library
Fisher Meeting Room
Children’s program – best for ages 7 and up.
Join fifth grade teacher Mrs. Kokinda as she teaches us all about the sun, moon, and eclipses through hands-on activities. Best for ages 7 and up, but kids of all ages and caregivers welcome. Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

Spring Break Camp – In a Total Solar Eclipse!
Monday-Friday, April 1-5
8:30AM-5:30PM
Spiegel Pittsford Community Center
For ages 5-13.
Registration begins March 4.
Activity #211403-01
Fee $220
A fun-filled week of science, creativity, games, crafts and more! It’s a great way to inspire interest about the upcoming total solar eclipse – and maybe even learn something new! Participants are grouped by age to enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities designed to keep them active and engaged. Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Spiegel Pittsford Community Center once registration opens on March 4.

Eclipse Themed Senior Luncheon
Tuesday, April 2
Spiegel Pittsford Community Center
Senior citizens program.
Fee $8.00
Featuring lunch and a musical guest. Details coming soon! Registration will be required. Call the Senior Programs Office at 248-6235 for further information and to register.

Eclipse Letter Bracelets
Tuesday, April 2
3:30-4:30pm
Pittsford Community Library
Learning Center
For youth in grades 4 up.
Drop in to spell out your eclipse excitement with themed letter bracelets to keep or trade. Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

The Art and Science of a Solar Eclipse
Wednesday, April 3
3:00-4:00pm
Pittsford Community Library
Fisher Meeting Room
Adults program.
Joe Altieri of ASRAS (Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of Science) discusses the basics of how solar and lunar eclipses work. Registration required. Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

DIY Eclipsewear
Thursday, April 4
11:00am-12:30pm
Pittsford Community Library
Fisher Meeting Room
All ages program.
Use fabric paint and stencils to make your own Eclipsewear! Bring your choice of a dark colored, pre-washed clothing item to paint. Registration is required. Register online here or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

Exploring the Science of the Eclipse
Saturday, April 6; 10:30-11:15am
Pittsford Community Library
Fisher Meeting Room
Children’s program.
Join fifth grade teacher Mrs. Kokinda as she teaches us all about the sun, moon, and eclipses through hands-on activities. Best for ages 7 and up, but kids of all ages and caregivers welcome. Registration required. Register online here or in person at the Pittsford Community Library.

Ongoing updates will be made here at www.townofpittsford.org/eclipse-2024.