Astrophotography from Brooklyn, New York City. I capture the Moon, planets, Sun, Milky Way, and night sky from NYC and during travel. Passionate about astronomy, nightscape, and starscape photography. Using Celestron NexStar 4SE, Coronado SolarMax II 60, Canon EOS Ra, 60Da, 40D, NexImage, and Canon EF lenses to reveal the beauty of the universe.
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.
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 - 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
Solar eclipse 10/3/2013 New York, Astrophotography
Solar Eclipse Nov.3 2013 and Seagull, NYC Astrophotography
New York Solar eclipse 10/3/2013
Airplane, clouds and Solar eclipse, New York Solar Eclipse
Partial Solar Eclipse New York City Astrophotography
Hybrid Solar Eclipse New York City 2013
Morning Seagull is flying to the Solar Eclipse, New York November 3 2013, Astrophotography
