

Seeing a total eclipse is very exciting because it’s less frequent than once in a lifetime, unless you travel to see one. Paducah, Kentucky is extremely lucky to get two total solar eclipses within seven years-both this year and in 2024.

In any specific place on Earth, about once per 400 years on the average. How often do total eclipses of the sun happen? Earth is bigger than the moon’s shadow, so where you’re standing on Earth makes a difference.ĭates past and future where the area now known as Rochester, NY has been (or will be) in a total eclipse path. People in the path of the umbra will see a total solar eclipse whereas those on the area of Earth where the penumbra passes over will see a partial eclipse. The moon’s shadow has two parts: the umbra, which is the central region, and the penumbra, which is the outer region. The shadow of the moon, as the moon passes between you and the sun. In preparation for the event, Watson answers questions about the eclipse and the best way to view it in Rochester. The closest place within easy driving distance to Rochester that will witness the total solar eclipse this year is Nashville, Tennessee, which is where Dan Watson, University of Rochester professor and chair of physics and astronomy, will head for the viewing of what he calls “an incredibly impressive event.” (University illustration / Michael Osadciw) Rochester will see a 70% eclipse on Monday, but in 2024 will be in the “zone of totality” for another solar eclipse.
