What should I know about the total solar eclipse in Buffalo?

Adam Gorski

April 7, 2024 at 10:08 AM·4 min read

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A total solar eclipse shrouded much of Western New York in darkness on Monday, as an estimated 1 million visitors and residents took in the captivating celestial event.

News 4 WIVB was live from multiple locations around Western New York during the eclipse, and you can rewatch our full live coverage above.

While totality only lasted just over three minutes in some areas, there are plenty of events, closures, necessities and more to know about for eclipse day. Here’s a guide on what you need to be aware of:

See our full coverage of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse here.

What is a total solar eclipse?

The moon will line up perfectly between the Earth and the sun at midday, blotting out the sunlight. The full eclipse will last longer than usual because the moon will be just 223,000 miles (360,000 kilometers) from Earth, one of the year’s closest approaches. The closer the moon is to Earth, the bigger it is in the sky from our perspective, resulting in an especially long and intense period of sun-blocked darkness.

Where and when can I see the eclipse?

If you are located in Western New York, there is a very good chance you will not only witness the partial eclipse, but experience totality Monday afternoon.

The moon begins to block the sun at 2:04 p.m. in the City of Buffalo, marking the start of the partial eclipse. Buffalo will then be shrouded in darkness during totality at 3:18 p.m. for around 3 minutes, 45 seconds. The partial eclipse will then end just after 4:30 p.m.

To find what time the eclipse starts and when totality begins in your town, use the interactive map below.

The path of totality goes almost directly over Buffalo and encompasses most of its surrounding towns, along with a number of other states and a section of Mexico. You can see a map of the path of totality for Western New York below.

What to expect on April 8 from eclipse chaser, ‘umbraphile,’ and others

What will the weather be like during the eclipse?

As of now, the forecast in Western New York is calling for mid to high-level clouds, with breaks of sunshine to allow for better eclipse viewing in some locations. You can view the latest eclipse forecast here.

In the event it is cloudy and the sun is obscured during totality, you will still experience a short period of darkness — you just won’t be able to take in the sight of the moon blocking the sun.

What to know about eclipse glasses

If you’d like to view the partial eclipse, you will need a pair of eclipse glasses — sunglasses will not cut it.

Eclipse glasses will allow you to safely see the partial eclipse, also known as the moon partially blocking out the sun before or after totality. Only during the darkness of totality can you rid of your glasses and safely view the eclipse.

With limited time left before the eclipse, if you haven’t secured a pair of your glasses, you might be out of luck. However, Wegmans, Lowes, Walmart and local libraries have offered eclipse glasses leading up to the event, and may still have some in stock. You can also make your own version of eclipse glasses with a cereal box and aluminum foil.

Already have a pair of eclipse glasses? Find out how to ensure yours are real and effective here.

Watch the News 4 Solar Eclipse special

What eclipse events are happening in Buffalo?

If you’re looking for something fun to do on eclipse day or for a unique spot to view the celestial event, you can view our list of events around Western New York here.

What’s closed in Western New York due to the eclipse?

A number of schools, businesses and government offices will either be closed or are altering their hours on the day of the eclipse. View a compiled list here.

Local agencies plan for heavy traffic during solar eclipse

Can I take photos of the eclipse with my phone?

The short answer is taking photos of the partial eclipse can damage your phone or camera — however, during totality, you should be fine to take photos of the sun.

You can learn more on eclipse phone photography here.

Behind the doors of Buffalo History Museum Archive: Articles tell the story of 1925 Eclipse

When is the next total solar eclipse in Buffalo?

The total solar eclipse in Western New York has been hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime event, and for good reason: The next time Buffalo will experience totality during a total solar eclipse is Oct. 26, 2144.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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