Solar eclipse from New York November 3, 2013 - Astrophotography

This morning I photographed the solar eclipse from New York City near JFK Airport during sunrise. Here are some of my first photos from this session.

Solar eclipse - New York City  near JFK Airport - November 3, 2013
Canon 40D Brooklyn astronomy and astrophotography
Cross Bay, Sunrise
NYC Solar Eclipse

Solar eclipse New York  November 3, 2013, Astrophotography

The conditions were challenging, with clouds partially covering the Sun, but they also created unusual and beautiful effects that made the eclipse even more interesting to observe and photograph.

Solar eclipse 11/3/2013 New York, Astrophotography

The sunrise added a strong red color to the sky and clouds, making the eclipse scene even more dramatic.

Solar Eclipse  Nov.3 2013 and Seagull, NYC Astrophotography

In the first three images you can see a seagull flying across the eclipse. It is the same seagull, captured in different moments as it moved from right to left through the frame.

New York Solar eclipse 11/3/2013

Airplane, clouds and Solar eclipse, New York Solar Eclipse

One of the most interesting images from this session shows a small airplane near the eclipsed Sun. The airplane is tiny, but still visible, and because these photos were taken near JFK Airport, it adds a very distinctive New York feeling to the scene.

The clouds created another unusual effect. With the upper part of the Sun hidden by clouds, you can still see two bright spots below the cloud layer. These bright areas are produced by the partially eclipsed Sun shining through and around the clouds.

Partial Solar Eclipse New York City Astrophotography

In this photos you can see a group of about 20 seagulls flying through the area, adding even more movement to the morning sky during the eclipse.

Hybrid Solar Eclipse above North Channel Bridge from Cross Bay, New York City

In this photo the hybrid solar eclipse appears above the North Channel Bridge, seen from Cross Bay in New York City. The bridge near the horizon gives the scene a strong local landmark and helps show the eclipse in its real urban setting.

Morning Seagull is flying to the Solar Eclipse, New York November 3 2013, Astrophotography

I have many more photos from this morning solar eclipse session and will publish them later. The solar eclipse in New York City was an amazing event to watch and photograph.

More Solar Eclipse Posts

• Solar Eclipse New York - 11/3/2013
• NYC Solar Eclipse 11/03/2013
• New York City Solar Eclipse - June 10, 2021 - Astrophotography
• Tennessee Astrophotography - Great American Eclipse - Total Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017
• Annular Solar Eclipse - October 14, 2023 | Odessa, Texas
• Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024 | Westport, New York
• The Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 during totality, seen from Westport, New York
• A Celestial Surprise: Capturing Comet SOHO-5008 During the Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024

Solar Eclipse New York - 11/3/2013

Solar eclipses are relatively rare events for New York City, and even more unusual when they occur at sunrise. On the morning of November 3, 2013, a partial solar eclipse was visible just as the Sun rose above the horizon, creating a unique blend of astronomy, atmosphere, and city life.

These photographs were taken near JFK Airport and the Cross Bay Bridge in Ramblersville, Queens. The low altitude of the Sun softened the light and allowed the eclipse to be observed naturally through atmospheric haze, without extreme contrast.

Sunrise eclipses are especially interesting because they combine celestial geometry with Earth’s atmosphere — clouds, haze, birds, and aircraft all become part of the scene. This event unfolded quietly over the city as the day began.

Solar Eclipse in New York City and Seagull, Astrophotography

Camera & Settings:
Canon EOS 40D · 135mm · ƒ/8 · 1/250 sec · ISO 100

The phrase “I was born to fly to solar eclipses” came to mind while reviewing this image — a seagull crossing directly toward the partially eclipsed Sun. The moment felt symbolic, as if the bird were instinctively drawn toward the rare alignment unfolding in the morning sky.

Below is a video of the partial solar eclipse as seen from New York City. Despite the changing light, daily life continued uninterrupted — airplanes departed and landed, and seagulls remained active throughout the eclipse.

During the eclipse, seagull activity appeared noticeably higher than during a typical sunrise. Birds continued flying through the scene, occasionally crossing the eclipsed Sun, adding an unexpected dynamic element to the photographs.

While some studies suggest that certain animals may respond to changes in light or environmental conditions during eclipses, this observation remains anecdotal. Whether the increased activity was related to the eclipse itself or simply part of normal sunrise behavior is difficult to determine.

When this image was first shared online, one viewer jokingly suggested that the seagull had been intentionally “invited” into the frame — a reminder that even carefully planned astronomical photography can include moments of pure chance.

Solar Eclipse Seagull New York City

At the beginning of the eclipse, striking wave clouds — often associated with Kelvin–Helmholtz instability — appeared in the sky. These cloud formations resemble ocean waves and are caused by wind shear between atmospheric layers. Their presence felt like a natural salute to the eclipse as it began over New York City, with the bridge visible beneath the clouds.

Beginning of the sunrise Solar eclipse in NYC on November 3 2013

Canon EOS 40D, ƒ/5.6, 56.0 mm, 1/60 sec, ISO 160

The images below show the very beginning of the sunrise during the eclipse, including wide-field views and the moments just before first contact. These frames capture how gradually the event unfolded as daylight increased.

Beginning NYC Solar Eclipse November 3 2013 - Wide Field

Sunrise JFK Airport - couple minutes before Solar Eclipse 11/3/2013

Canon EOS 40D, 135.0 mm, 1/20 sec; f/5.6; ISO 800

Solar eclipses in New York City are infrequent, and sunrise events like this one are especially rare. This November 3, 2013 eclipse remains a memorable example of how astronomy can quietly intersect with everyday urban life.

Related Astrophotography & Solar Eclipse Galleries

If you’re interested in solar eclipse photography, you may also enjoy these related galleries, documenting eclipse events observed from New York City and across the United States over the years.

Solar Eclipse — November 3, 2013 (New York City)

• NYC Solar Eclipse — November 3, 2013
• Solar Eclipse from New York — November 3, 2013

Other Solar Eclipse Events

• Great American Eclipse — Total Solar Eclipse, August 21, 2017 (Tennessee)
• New York City Solar Eclipse — June 10, 2021
• Annular Solar Eclipse — October 14, 2023 (Odessa, Texas)
• The Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024 — HDR Views of the Sun’s Corona (Westport, New York)
• A Celestial Surprise: Capturing Comet SOHO-5008 During the Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024

Annular Solar Eclipse - October 14, 2023 | Odessa, Texas

Annular Solar Eclipse, October 14, 2023 - Odessa, Texas. The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB).

Canon Ra, Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens + Canon 2x III Extender = 400mm, 1/640 sec, F/14, ISO 3200, Thousand Oaks Threaded Camera Filter 72-T, iOptron SkyTracker, Vello ShutterBoss II Timer Remote Switch 

Annular Solar Eclipse Composite Image

In the grand tapestry of the cosmos, few events capture the human imagination quite like a solar eclipse. While the Earth dances around the Sun, and the Moon orbits our planet, there comes a moment each year when these celestial bodies align in a breathtaking display of natural wonder. This momentous occasion is none other than the annual solar eclipse, a recurring phenomenon that continues to captivate, inspire, and remind us of the profound beauty of our universe.

The annual solar eclipse is not just an astronomical event; it's a celestial spectacle that has held a special place in human history and culture for millennia. As the Moon glides across the face of the Sun, it casts a shadow upon the Earth, temporarily plunging regions into darkness and transforming the day into night. The sun's corona, a delicate, fiery halo, emerges as the star attraction. People gather in awe to witness this cosmic alignment, pondering the mysteries of the heavens and feeling a deep connection to the vastness of the universe.

There are original Images:

1_Annular Solar Eclipse

2_Annular Solar Eclipse

3_Annular Solar Eclipse

4_Annular Solar Eclipse

5_Ring of Fire Eclipse

6_Ring of Fire Eclipse

7_Ring of Fire Eclipse

8_Annular Solar Eclipse

9_Annular Solar Eclipse

10_Annular Solar Eclipse

11_Annular Solar Eclipse

12_Annular Solar Eclipse

Camera set up for Annular Solar Eclipse

There are photos of Crescent-shaped shadows.

Using a kitchen colander during a solar eclipse is a fun and educational way to witness the celestial event. When you hold a colander up to the sun, its numerous small holes act as pinhole cameras, projecting multiple images of the crescent-shaped sun on any surface below, whether it's the ground or a piece of paper. The result is a pattern of miniature eclipses resembling a celestial sieve.

Crescent shadows through the holes in the colander that occur during the eclipse

As the moon begins its journey across the sun's face, the gaps between leaves on trees act as pinhole cameras, casting crescent-shaped images of the partially covered sun on the ground below. These shadow crescents mimic the sun's diminishing shape in real-time, creating a dynamic and awe-inspiring display. In addition to crescent-shaped gaps, the overall dappled pattern of light passing through the leaves forms intricate designs on the ground. The gaps between the leaves project countless images of the partially eclipsed sun, producing an artistic tapestry of sunspots.

Crescent-shaped shadows from trees that occur during the eclipse

Related Astrophotography Posts

• The Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 during totality, seen from Westport, New York
• Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024 | Westport, New York
• The Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024: An HDR Revelation of the Sun's Corona from Westport, New York
• Tennessee Astrophotography - Great American Eclipse - Total Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017
• Solar Eclipse New York - 11/3/2013

Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024 | Westport, New York

Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024 -Westport, New York

On April 8, 2024, a celestial event of spectacular proportions graced the skies: a total solar eclipse. For those of us in Westport, New York, the day held an air of anticipation, excitement, and a touch of the ethereal, as we prepared to witness day turn into night under the eclipse's path of totality.

Westport, nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Champlain, became a buzzing hub for eclipse chasers, all eager for a front-row seat to nature's grand spectacle.

Westport Golf, known for its lush fairways and stunning views, offered a picturesque setting for eclipse viewing. The expansive greens provided a clear, unobstructed view of the sky, making it an ideal location for observation. As the eclipse approached, the course was transformed into a field of curiosity and excitement, dotted with telescopes, cameras, and spectators donning their eclipse glasses.

The darkness of totality was profound yet fleeting, lasting approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds. During this brief interlude, the surroundings were bathed in a twilight glow, a surreal moment that felt out of place yet deeply moving. The visibility of stars and planets in the midday sky, particularly Venus’s bright appearance, added a stellar touch to the spectacle.

My set up for Totality: Canon Ra, Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens + Canon 2x III Extender = 400mm, F/8, ISO 200. The precision with which these images were captured was further ensured by the use of an iOptron SkyTracker mount, which tracked the sun's movement across the sky, eliminating potential blurring from the Earth's rotation. Moreover, the integration of the SET'n'C (Solar Eclipse Timer and Controller) provided an automated approach to timing and exposure adjustments, critical for dealing with the rapidly changing light conditions during the eclipse.

Beginning of totality,  diamond ring - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec. Amidst the rarefied beauty of celestial events, the Diamond Ring effect stands out as a fleeting, yet unforgettable moment. It heralds the beginning and conclusion of totality during a solar eclipse, a spectacle where the moon and the sun perform a celestial dance across the sky. 

Diamond Ring Contact 2 of Total Solar Eclipse April 8 2024 as seen from Westport, New York

Solar Corona - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/16 sec. The image stands as a stunning testament to the celestial dance between light and darkness, showcasing the corona's delicate filaments and radiant glow against the backdrop of space.

Solar Corona of Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 - Westport, New York

Solar Flares - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec. The conjunction of the eclipse with these solar eruptions offers a glimpse into the sun's dynamic power, highlighting the beauty and intensity of our star's active nature.

Solar Flares - Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 - Westport New York

End of totality, diamond ring - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec.

Diamond Ring Contact 3 (Post-totality) of Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 as seen from Westport, New York

First photo in the post - average mean of 40 photos with different exposure time from 1/1000 to 1/2 seconds.

As the eclipse passed and daylight returned, the sense of communal experience lingered. Gathered on the golf course, we shared in the wonder and ephemeral beauty of the cosmos, a reminder of the universe’s grandeur and our place within it. The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, observed from the Westport Golf in New York, was not just a celestial event; it was a profound communal experience, an opportunity to connect with the cosmos and with each other in a moment of fleeting darkness and enduring wonder.

Related Astrophotography Posts

• The Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024: An HDR Revelation of the Sun's Corona from Westport, New York
• Tennessee Astrophotography - Great American Eclipse - Total Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017
• New York City Solar Eclipse - June 10, 2021 - Astrophotography
• Blue Moon November 21 2010 Celestron 4se Canon 40D
• Total Lunar Eclipse December 21, 2010 Winter Solstice

New York City Solar Eclipse - June 10, 2021 - Astrophotography

On the morning of June 10, 2021, a partial solar eclipse unfolded over New York City. Viewed from Staten Island, approximately 70% of the Sun’s disk was covered by the Moon shortly after sunrise, creating a striking celestial scene above the urban skyline.

These photographs were captured around 5:30 AM, as the Sun emerged low on the horizon. The vantage point looks across the water from the Staten Island boardwalk toward Brooklyn. The low altitude of the Sun added atmospheric effects and warm tones that are unique to sunrise eclipses.

Photographing a solar eclipse at sunrise presents unique challenges — balancing brightness, atmospheric haze, and precise exposure — but it also allows the eclipse to be placed naturally within a recognizable landscape, blending astronomy with city life.

Camera & Lens:
Canon EOS Ra
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
1/500 sec; f/2.8; ISO 400

Solar Eclipse NYC - June 10, 2021 - Astrophotography

Partial Solar Eclipse Staten Island, New York, USA 06-10-2021

People, Birds and Solar Eclipse - NYC view from Staten Island to Brooklyn - June 10, 2021

This event was an annular solar eclipse, where the Moon passed in front of the Sun without fully covering it. Although New York City experienced a partial phase, observers farther north saw a dramatic “ring of fire” effect.

Related Astrophotography & Solar Eclipse Galleries

• Solar Eclipse from New York — November 3, 2013
• Great American Eclipse — Total Solar Eclipse, August 21, 2017 (Tennessee)
• Annular Solar Eclipse — October 14, 2023 (Odessa, Texas)
• The Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024: HDR Views of the Corona — Westport, New York
• A Celestial Surprise: Comet SOHO-5008 During the Solar Eclipse — April 8, 2024

Tennessee Astrophotography - Great American Eclipse - Total Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017

"The Sun was eclipsed; it was all gone. 

It was like ink and without light. 

The stars were visible in the daytime."

-- Hyaku Rensho. (Total solar eclipse of August AD 975)

There are photos from our families expedition to T-Lea Farm, Tellico Plains, Tennessee for Great American Total Eclipse August 21, 2017. In the Shadow of the Moon - 2 min 37 sec.

Solar Corona - Tellico Plains, Tennessee - Total Solar Eclipse 2017, New York City Expedition, photo by Igor Kuskovsky

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 August 21 Canon 60D  Tellico Plains, Tennessee, New York City Expedition, photo by Igor Kuskovsky

Diamond Ring Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Celestron Nexstar 4SE Astrophotography

Solar Corona Great USA Eclipse 2017 Celestron Nexstar 4SE Astrophotography

Solar Eclipse 2017 Aug 21 Dimond Ring and Solar Corona

Solar activity was pretty active (compare other days when no sunspots was visible). Three bright solar flares and couple of sunspot areas (Wolf Number about 66).

The Beginning of Total Solar Eclipse 2017, Aug 21 - Coronado SolarMax II 60 Telescope, Celestron Nexstar 4SE Tripod, Canon 60Da Camera, Tennessee Astrophotography

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 - Celestron Nexstar 4SE Telescope, Canon 60Da Camera, Solar Filter Spectrum Telescope ST525G, Tellico Plains, Tennessee Astrophotography

Telescope Nexstar 4SE Camera Canon 60Da Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Tennessee  Astrophotography

Temperature dropped about 10 degrees Fahrenheit (or 5 degrees Celsius) during the Totality. It was cold! Even small clouds disappeared around the sun, probably because of such temperature inside moon shadow.

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Black and White T-Lea Farm Tellico Plains Tennessee Astrophotography

Tennessee Astrophotography - Great Total Solar Eclipse 2017, T-Lea Farm, Tellico Plains

Great American Eclipse August 21 2017 Celestron 4SE

Tennessee Astrophotography - At night before the Solar Eclipse - Milky Way - T-Lea Farm, Tellico Plains

NYC Solar Eclipse

Location: New York City (JFK Airport area)
Date: November 3, 2013

While waiting for the highly anticipated appearance of Comet ISON in late 2013, I took the opportunity to document a partial solar eclipse visible from New York City. Capturing a solar eclipse from an urban environment like NYC is always challenging due to weather, haze, and city infrastructure—but even a partial eclipse at sunrise offers a unique and atmospheric view.

These images were taken during sunrise near JFK Airport, where the low Sun and eclipse geometry created dramatic silhouettes and warm tones. In one of the related photo sets, flocks of birds (mostly seagulls) are visible flying across the partially eclipsed Sun—an unexpected and fascinating detail that adds life and scale to the scene.

NYC Solar Eclipse November 3 2013

NYC Solar Eclipse JFK Airport Sunrise November 3 2013

NYC Solar Eclipse

In these additional images, numerous birds—mostly seagulls—can be seen crossing the Sun during the partial eclipse. This rare combination of urban wildlife and celestial mechanics makes the NYC solar eclipse especially memorable.

Related Solar Eclipse Photos from New York

• Solar Eclipse New York – 11/3/2013
• Solar Eclipse from New York – November 3, 2013 (Astrophotography)