Almost Total — The August 2026 Lunar Eclipse Over Long Island

Late on the night of August 27 and into the early morning hours of August 28, skywatchers across Long Island were treated to a dramatic lunar eclipse as the Full Moon slipped deep into the shadow of the Earth.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon line up closely enough for the Moon to pass through Earth’s shadow. Unlike a solar eclipse, which can only be seen along a relatively narrow path on Earth, a lunar eclipse can be viewed from anywhere on the nighttime side of the planet where the Moon is above the horizon.

This particular eclipse was a deep partial lunar eclipse — not a total eclipse. At maximum eclipse, which occurred at approximately 12:13 a.m. EDT on August 28, about 96.3% of the Moon’s visible disk was inside Earth’s dark central shadow, or umbra. Only a thin portion of the Moon remained outside the umbra, producing the brilliant crescent visible along the upper edge in the photograph.

Although it fell just short of totality, much of the eclipsed Moon took on the familiar deep orange and reddish color associated with a “Blood Moon.” That color is created by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere. Our atmosphere scatters much of the shorter blue wavelengths while allowing more of the red and orange wavelengths to pass through and bend toward the Moon. In a sense, the reddish light illuminating the eclipsed Moon is the combined glow of sunrises and sunsets around the edge of the Earth.

How Often Do Lunar Eclipses Occur?

Lunar eclipses aren't exceptionally rare. Eclipse seasons occur roughly twice each year, and NASA's calculations show that there is always at least one — and sometimes two — lunar eclipses during a roughly 345-day period. But they aren't all alike. Some are subtle penumbral eclipses, some are partial eclipses, and others become spectacular total lunar eclipses.

And not every lunar eclipse is visible from Long Island. Visibility depends upon which side of Earth is facing the Moon when the eclipse occurs. In fact, 2026 provided a good example: the March 3 eclipse was total globally, while the August 28 event was a partial eclipse.

For those of us watching from Long Island, the August eclipse was tantalizingly close. Unfortunately cloudy skies limited many of us to only catch quick glimpses as the moon moved through the clouds, but for this writer the timing couldn’t have been better as depicted in the photo above when the Earth's shadow swallowed nearly the entire lunar disk, leaving behind only that narrow, intensely bright rim.

Not quite a total lunar eclipse — but perhaps all the more visually interesting because of it.

Photo and editorial: Fred Greco / Island Photo News

 SpaceX Over Long Island — A Falcon 9 Morning

Long Islanders willing to get up before dawn were treated to an unusual sight this morning as a SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying another group of Starlink satellites climbed into orbit, becoming visible along the East Coast shortly after its launch from Florida.

I photographed the rocket as it passed near Fire Island, its exhaust plume illuminated high above the Earth while the landscape below was still in the darkness of early morning.

The sight has become increasingly familiar, but the technology behind it represents a remarkable change in spaceflight.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 first flew in 2010 and was designed around an idea that once seemed almost impossible — instead of throwing away a rocket after every launch, bring major portions of it back and fly them again. In December 2015, SpaceX successfully landed a Falcon 9 first-stage booster after an orbital mission, and in 2017 it successfully flew a previously used orbital-class booster for the first time.

Today, the Falcon 9's first stage — the large booster containing its nine Merlin engines — routinely separates from the second stage and returns to Earth. Depending upon the mission, it can land either near the launch site or on an autonomous drone ship stationed hundreds of miles offshore. SpaceX also recovers and reuses portions of the rocket's payload fairing, the protective shell surrounding the satellites during launch.

That reusability has helped make possible the extraordinary launch rate needed to build Starlink, SpaceX's network of thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit designed to provide high-speed, low-latency Internet service. The first Starlink satellites were launched in 2019, and within just a few years the system had grown into the world's largest low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation.

So while what appeared over Fire Island this morning lasted only a few minutes, it was part of something much larger — a transformation in spaceflight in which launching a rocket, recovering much of it and preparing it to fly again is increasingly becoming routine.

And for a photographer standing beneath that flight path before sunrise, it made for one heck of a morning.

                                                    Story and Photo by Fred Greco

The Thunderbirds headline the New York Air Show in Montgomery, NY

The New York Air Show returned to Orange County Airport in Montgomery, NY this past weekend, drawing aviation enthusiasts for two days of aerial demonstrations highlighted by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and several talented civilian performers.

While the lineup was smaller than many had hoped, the pilots who took to the skies delivered exciting performances and gave spectators plenty to enjoy. For me, it was another opportunity to practice both still photography and videography while capturing some memorable moments from the weekend.

I hope you enjoy this short video highlight highlighting the Thunderbirds from the show!

📸🎥 Fred Greco
Island Photo News

 

 

Island Photo Group Captures the July Buck Moon

Photo: Fred Greco

For more than twenty years, the Island Photo Group has been bringing Long Island photographers together to learn, share ideas, and capture some of the region's most spectacular sights.

Founded in 2003, more than two decades later, several of the original founding members still remain active in the club — a testament to the friendships and dedication that have helped the organization thrive. 

Today, the Island Photo Group consists of approximately 45 members who meet on the second and fourth Monday of each month 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center in Ellsworth W. Allen Park, 45 Motor Avenue in Farmingdale. Whether you're just learning the basics or have years of photographic experience, visitors are always welcome to attend a meeting and discover what the club has to offer. Annual dues are just $40, providing members with educational workshops, guest presentations, field workshops,  image critiques, and the opportunity to learn from fellow photographers throughout the year.

That spirit of learning and camaraderie was on full display during the evenings of July 30 and 31, when club members gathered at Captree State Park to photograph the July Buck Moon rising over the Fire Island Lighthouse—one of Long Island's most iconic photographic alignments.

 

Photo: Fred Greco                                               Photo: Jim Rapp            

The outing was organized and the moonrise alignment plotted by Membership Chairman Fred Greco using specialized astronomical planning software. Although rain and heavy cloud-cover blanketed much of Long Island throughout July 30, conditions began to improve just thirty minutes before moonrise. Members, along with several local photographers, remained optimistic, and their patience was rewarded as the skies gradually cleared, revealing a beautiful moonrise over the historic lighthouse.

Encouraged by the success of the first evening, many members and other local photographers returned the following night for what photographers like to call "another go at it." With even clearer skies on July 31, participants enjoyed a second opportunity to capture the dramatic scene while exchanging ideas, techniques, and plenty of stories along the beach.                                                                 

     

Photo: Nick Masselle                                                     Photo: Russ Popeil

While memorable photographs were certainly the goal, the evenings served as a reminder that photography clubs are about much more than cameras. They are about sharing knowledge, encouraging one another, and building friendships through a common passion.

Anyone interested in improving their photography is invited to attend a meeting and see firsthand why the Island Photo Group has remained a Long Island favorite for more than twenty years. 

"Twenty-three years after its founding, the Island Photo Group continues to prove that photography is more than creating beautiful images. It's about learning, sharing experiences, and forming friendships that last a lifetime. As the moon rose over Fire Island Lighthouse on two memorable summer evenings, so too did another chapter in the club's history."

By Fred Greco — Editor / Photojournalist  ––  Island Photo News 

 Coming Soon !

There's something special about receiving a handwritten card.

In today's world of text messages and emails, a thoughtfully chosen greeting card still has the power to brighten someone's day, celebrate life's milestones, and remind people they are loved.

That's the inspiration behind Oodles of Doodles NY, a new collection of hand-painted watercolor greeting cards created by local artist Paula Greco. Each design begins as an original watercolor painting, capturing the joy, warmth, and whimsy that only handmade artwork can provide. From birthdays and thank-you notes to everyday moments that deserve a smile, every card is created with one goal in mind—painting smiles... one card at a time.

In the weeks ahead, we'll be sharing a growing collection of Paula's unique designs, along with gift ideas, classroom collections for teachers, seasonal favorites, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. So stay tuned! 

Whether you're searching for the perfect card or simply appreciate beautiful watercolor art, we invite you to follow along as Oodles of Doodles NY prepares to open its doors.

Because sometimes, the smallest gesture can leave the biggest smile.

                Grupo Sabrosura Brings the Sounds of Latin America to Tanner Park

There are some performances where people politely tap their feet, and then there are performances that fill a dance floor with smiling faces of every age. That was certainly the case Saturday night at Tanner Park in Copiague, where Grupo Sabrosura treated the crowd to an evening of energetic Latin music that had couples dancing and enjoying a beautiful summer evening along the waterfront.

                    

Leading the group are José "Juicy" Jusino and Carlos Tello, two accomplished musicians who have helped make Grupo Sabrosura a favorite at festivals, community celebrations, private events, and cultural gatherings throughout the area.

Although internationally recognized as an accomplished percussionist, Jusino is much more than the band's rhythmic heartbeat. He also shares lead vocal duties, bringing an infectious energy that quickly draws audiences into the performance. Music has been part of his life since childhood, and his remarkable career has included him in performances on nearly every continent.

Over the years, Jusino has performed alongside some of Latin music's most celebrated artists, including Tito Fuente, Celia Cruz, and Johnny Pacheco—names synonymous with the rich traditions of salsa and Latin jazz.

Formed in 2010, Grupo Sabrosura is made up of talented local Latin musicians who share a passion for authentic Latin music and live performance. The band performs three to four times each month at festivals, community events, cultural celebrations, private parties, and anywhere people appreciate outstanding live Latin music.

July 20th marked Colombian Independence Day, and many members of the crowd proudly wore Colombia's yellow, blue, and red colors while enjoying an evening filled with music, dancing, and community spirit. Families gathered along the waterfront, people of all ages danced to the rhythms, and the festive atmosphere perfectly reflected the joy and pride of the celebration.

From everyone here at Island Photo News, we'd like to extend our warmest wishes to our Colombian friends and neighbors: 

¡Feliz Día de la Independencia de Colombia!

Our thanks to José "Juicy" Jusino for taking the time to speak with Island Photo News and for sharing the story behind Grupo Sabrosura. Judging by the smiles on the dance floor, it's easy to see why this talented group continues to bring people together through the universal language of music. 

                                 Story and photographs by Fred Greco-Island Photo News  

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Blankets New York City and Long Island in July 2026

In July 2026, smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires traveled thousands of miles south into New York, creating one of the region’s most significant wildfire-smoke events since the historic episode of 2023. The combination of wildfire smoke, extreme heat and stagnant weather produced unusually poor air quality across New York City and Long Island.

July 14–15: Smoke Moves Into the Region

On Tuesday, July 14, New York City officials warned that smoke from wildfires burning in western Ontario, Canada, could reach the region. By Wednesday, July 15, the smoke had begun settling closer to the ground.

New York State expanded its Air Quality Health Advisory to include Long Island, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as the New York City metropolitan area. The advisory warned of elevated levels of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, from the Canadian fires.

Across Long Island, residents reported hazy skies, an orange-colored sun and the unmistakable smell of smoke. In places such as Westhampton Beach and Baiting Hollow, visibility was noticeably reduced and residents described the atmosphere as eerie.

July 16: The Smoke Reaches Its Worst Levels

Thursday, July 16, became the peak of the event. Smoke covered New York City and Long Island, producing yellow-orange skies and significantly reducing visibility.

In New York City, the regional Air Quality Index reached 289 — "Very Unhealthy" — at 10 p.m. Thursday, according to AirNow data cited by New York City Emergency Management. That was the second-worst wildfire-smoke event in the city's modern record, behind the June 2023 disaster when the AQI reached as high as 465. 

The smoke was particularly noticeable on Long Island. The East Hampton Star described the sky on July 16 as sepia-toned, with smoke covering the Island and multiple PM2.5 air-quality alerts in effect. 

The poor air quality also affected everyday life. Day camps moved activities indoors, outdoor workers shortened shifts, and residents were encouraged to limit strenuous activity outside. 

The problem was made worse by a heat wave. Temperatures were in the 90s, while the heat and atmospheric conditions helped keep pollutants close to the ground. New York City distributed free KN95 masks and kept cooling centers open. 

 July 17: Conditions Begin to Improve

On Friday, July 17, the smoke remained a problem across Long Island and the New York metropolitan area. Long Island again experienced unhealthy air-quality readings, prompting another health advisory. 

In New York City, air-quality readings improved to approximately 120, or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, by Friday afternoon. However, conditions temporarily worsened again Saturday morning, July 18, when readings reached 186 — Unhealthy. 

July 19: The Emergency Response Ends

Rain and changing weather conditions finally helped clear much of the smoke. By Sunday, July 19, New York City's air quality had returned to the Moderate category, with an AQI of approximately 78 that morning.

That day, NYC Emergency Management officially concluded its citywide wildfire-smoke response, calling the episode the second-most severe smoke event in the city's modern record. 

A July That Turned the Sky Orange

For New Yorkers and Long Islanders, the July 2026 wildfire episode was a vivid reminder that wildfires thousands of miles away can have an immediate impact on life here. From July 14 through July 19, smoke from Canadian fires transformed familiar blue summer skies into a hazy yellow-orange landscape, affected outdoor activities and created potentially dangerous breathing conditions.

For photographers, the event also produced some extraordinary and unusual images of New York City, Long Island beaches, the Atlantic Ocean and the setting sun, with landmarks appearing through layers of smoke and haze.