By: Lei Anna Craig
Why’d the sky get so dark?
Don’t worry, the sun didn’t disappear! Well, not for long anyway, it’s time for the largest astronomical event of the year: The Solar Eclipse.
Except this time around, on April 8th, 2024, we get the pleasure to witness the Total Solar Eclipse. This is the first time North America can witness this since 2017—we won’t get the opportunity to see it again until 2033. Lucky for us, Buffalo has the perfect opportunity to see this event clearly, so we are here to make sure you can have fun and enjoy this event safely!
But first, what is a Solar Eclipse?
This phenomenon is a moment when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. Recently, the United States has only been able to witness a partial eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun. However, this time around, we are getting a total eclipse which results in the sky becoming dark from the moon's complete blockage of the sun. This action casts a shadow that will fall onto parts of the earth, thus creating the solar eclipse experience.
This shadow creates a trail of darkness called “the path of totality” where everything goes dark as if it’s nightfall during the day. This allows us to see the sun’s atmosphere called the “corona” in its full glory and brings the opportunity to bask in the sun’s beauty that we often cannot see without the risk of burning our retinas.
Tips On How to Watch Safely
This extraordinary event isn’t worth damaging our eyeballs, so it is important that before you go to watch this event, you get the proper eyewear to gaze at the sun. It is recommended to get solar eclipse glasses and filters for not only our eyes but our equipment too.
When trying to document this event, you must take the necessary precautions with your equipment, so you are not damaging your phones trying to capture the moment. Most cameras have a solar filter already built into them, but if this is beyond your means, putting a pair of solar glasses over your phone's camera works just as well!
Buffalo is the third major city within the path of totality! We are home to one of the most ideal places in upstate New York when the total solar eclipse is in full effect, with an estimation of darkness lasting for about 3 minutes and 45 seconds. So, get your solar filter glasses on, and let's get watching!
Best Places to Watch
A clear sky is the key to having a good time and getting the best view of the solar eclipse.
However, if you are looking to make an even bigger event of it, here are some of the recommended places: Niagara Falls, Buffalo Harbor State Park, The Whitworth Planetarium at Buffalo State College, Knox Farm State Park, and The Buffalo Zoo.
Now, mark your calendars for April 8th! The Total Solar Eclipse happens in the same city every 400 to 1,000 years, so you do not want to miss this! Partial Totality will start at around 2 pm, with totality starting at around 3:20 pm! Get your loved ones, and your safety glasses, find a good place to view, and we hope you enjoy it!