Inmates at Woodbourne Correctional Facility in New York have initiated a legal battle against the state corrections department, challenging a lockdown scheduled during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The lawsuit, filed by six prisoners of diverse religious beliefs—including Baptist, Muslim, Seventh-Day Adventist, Santeria, and atheism—argues that the lockdown infringes on their constitutional rights to practice their faiths. They claim the eclipse, a rare celestial event with significant religious implications, as mentioned in various religious texts, should be observed for gathering, celebration, worship, and prayer. Despite one atheist inmate initially being granted permission to view the eclipse, further requests were denied on the grounds that the eclipse was not recognized as a holy day for their religions.

In response, the New York corrections department announced a system-wide lockdown during the eclipse, limiting inmates to their housing units except for emergencies. However, special safety glasses will be distributed to staff and some inmates for witnessing the event at designated locations. The department has yet to comment on the ongoing litigation but stated it would consider requests for religious accommodations.

The solar eclipse, expected to last as long as 4 minutes and 28 seconds, will be visible across North America, from Mexico through the United States to Canada. Cities in western and northern New York are anticipated to offer optimal viewing conditions. With around 44 million people living within the eclipse’s path of totality, various events, including watch parties, festivals, and space-themed proms, are being organized to celebrate this astronomic phenomenon. Safety precautions, including the necessity of special eclipse glasses, are emphasized to prevent eye damage during observation. NASA plans to enhance the experience by launching small rockets and deploying scientific instruments to study the eclipse from multiple perspectives.

This total solar eclipse presents a unique viewing opportunity before the next event visible in North America in 2033, emphasizing its rarity and the widespread interest it has generated among different communities, including those incarcerated.