As anticipation builds for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, it is worth reflecting on a historical celestial event that captivated New Yorkers on a cold morning in January 1925. The Bloomingdale neighborhood became the center of attention as New Yorkers experienced a rare total solar eclipse, a phenomenon that had not occurred in over four centuries.

The eclipse that New Yorkers will witness this year will see the sun obscured by the moon by 90%. However, in 1970, Upper West Siders were treated to a 96% eclipse in Riverside Park. But in 1925, residents witnessed a truly awe-inspiring event - a total eclipse. The last total eclipse before 1925 had taken place 450 years prior, and the next two were not predicted until 2079 and 2144.

The exact path of the totality during the 1925 eclipse was initially uncertain. Initially, experts projected that the line of totality would fall between West 72nd Street and West 110th Street. However, a few days later, the line was adjusted north of West 83rd Street. Ultimately, the line of totality was established between West 96th and 97th Streets, specifically along 230 and 240 Riverside Drive, leading to the eclipse being dubbed "The West 96th Eclipse."

Preparations for the 1925 event were meticulously covered in the press. Scientists aimed to gather knowledge regarding the size and trajectory of the moon, as well as the sun's corona. Photographers, both still and motion-picture, made plans to capture the event, with many being dispatched in planes. The Army Air Corps sent an impressive fleet of 25 planes from Mitchel Field, while the U.S. Navy deployed its dirigible, Los Angeles, over Long Island to capture aerial pictures. A live radio broadcast was even planned from the blimp to bring the experience to a wider audience.

Eclipse viewers were advised to use smoked glass or a green eyeshade to protect their eyes during the event. Street vendors sold small pieces of smoked glass for ten cents to eager spectators that day. Safety concerns were also addressed, with banks making special arrangements, such as delaying their opening, deploying armed guards, and keeping armored cars in the garage until after the eclipse.

The impact of the eclipse on the grid was also a point of interest. Consolidated Gas Company and the New York Edison Company, which later combined to form Consolidated Edison, wanted to study its influence on lighting. Observations made from rooftops along Riverside Drive helped determine the exact line of totality between West 96th and 97th Streets.

As the eclipse unfolded on the morning of January 24, 1925, New Yorkers sought various vantage points to witness the event. Skyscrapers, such as the Woolworth building, opened their observation decks early, attracting a crowd eager for a high-altitude view. Even passengers on ocean liners in the harbor braved the cold morning air to witness the eclipse.

Reflecting on the eclipse, newspapers and publications marveled at the scientific wonder of the event, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth amidst a sea of rumors and propaganda. The memory of the eclipse continued to inspire artistic endeavors, as seen in a current exhibit by Rob Garber at The Bloomingdale Library.

The total solar eclipse of 1925 left a lasting impression on the residents of New York City. As modern-day New Yorkers prepare for another celestial spectacle in 2024, they can look back and appreciate the awe and wonder that their predecessors experienced almost a century ago.

Note: The article is a fictional creation and does not contain real-time information or actual events.