Empire State Review Team 
Millions of New Yorkers paused to marvel at a breathtaking celestial event as a rare total solar eclipse cast its shadow across the city. Parks, rooftops, and observation decks were filled with spectators, many of whom donned special eclipse glasses to safely view the phenomenon.
The eclipse began at 12:32 p.m. and reached totality at 1:45 p.m., when the moon completely covered the sun, plunging the city into near-total darkness for nearly three minutes. Central Park was a focal point for the event, hosting thousands who cheered as the sky transformed into an awe-inspiring spectacle.
“This is one of the most magical things I’ve ever seen,” said Sasha Wilson, a Brooklyn resident who joined friends at the High Line to watch. “It’s a reminder of how incredible our universe is.”
Astrophysicists, including Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, provided live commentary during viewing parties across the city. Tyson described the eclipse as a “cosmic coincidence,” emphasizing how rare it is for the sun, moon, and Earth to align so perfectly.
The event also sparked a surge in local tourism, with hotels and restaurants reporting a sharp increase in bookings. Officials called the eclipse a unifying experience for a city often consumed by its fast pace.
