In case you’re living under a rock and weren’t aware, a total solar eclipse will be viewable from the United States on August 21st! While we aren’t lucky enough to be in the path of totality (where 100% of the sun will be blocked by the passing moon), we will still be able to view this astrological event in Buffalo. Here’s a bit of background on what exactly a total solar eclipse is (in our best Bill Nye the Science Guy fashion) and where you can catch it in the Queen City!
The path of the total eclipse doesn’t cross Buffalo, but we’ll still be able to get a glimpse of the phenomenon!
NASA We will be able to spot the eclipse for just over two hours on August 21st.
If you want the best views, here are a few places to view this astrological event in Buffalo:
Kristi824 - Trip Advisor Downtown locations for viewing the eclipse include the Buffalo Museum of Science, Ferguson Planetarium (located on Buffalo State’s campus), and the central branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Some of these places are even having viewing parties with activities and food trucks! (We’re looking at you, Ferguson Planetarium!)
So what’s the big deal?
skyseeker - Flickr The last total solar eclipse viewable in the United States was over 50 years ago in 1963, so they don’t occur often. Even more incredibly, total eclipses rarely take a path that crosses the entire nation from coast-to-coast; usually, just a small region will have the opportunity to see it. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible all the way from the Pacific to the Atlantic was on June 8th, 1918!
Unless you want to wait several decades, we highly suggest stepping outside to view this one!
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center-Flickr
A little bit of science for you…
James West - Flickr A solar eclipse occurs when the moon perfectly aligns between the earth and the sun. These events happen when the moon is in “New Moon” phase, but not every time – since angles are typically slightly off for the moon to fully cover the sun.
What will it look like here?
jakerome - Flickr In Buffalo, we will be able to see a roughly 77% eclipse, in other words, approximately 3/4 of the sun will be covered by the moon’s shadow. According to the Buffalo Astronomical Association, the maximum eclipse (when you want to be outside to view this astrological event in the city) will occur at 3:33 PM.
Get a glimpse of this natural phenomenon – safely!
NASA HQ PHOTO/Bill Ingalls - Flickr Do not… I repeat… DO NOT stare at the eclipse without protective eyewear! Staring directly into the sun is never a good idea, and while most if it will be covered by shadow, it can still severely damage your retinas. Most viewing locations in Buffalo will provide specialized eclipse glasses, which can also be purchased from major retail stores or online.
If you’re in a pinch, you can simply look at the shadows from a leafy tree nearby - the spaces between leaves will be in the shape of the crescent sun!
torbakhopper - Flickr Another option: you can make your own simple pinhole projector using a stiff piece of cardboard or sheets of paper and a thumbtack! NASA has several useful safety tips here to make sure you don’t damage your eyes while watching the big event.
Even if you can’t make it outside for this amazing solar event, you can watch it happen; NASA will be live broadcasting the eclipse from within the zone of totality, as well as from spacecrafts, aircrafts, high altitude weather balloons, and even the International Space Station! Here’s the link to the NASA live stream.
NASA
We will be able to spot the eclipse for just over two hours on August 21st.
Kristi824 - Trip Advisor
Downtown locations for viewing the eclipse include the Buffalo Museum of Science, Ferguson Planetarium (located on Buffalo State’s campus), and the central branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Some of these places are even having viewing parties with activities and food trucks! (We’re looking at you, Ferguson Planetarium!)
skyseeker - Flickr
The last total solar eclipse viewable in the United States was over 50 years ago in 1963, so they don’t occur often. Even more incredibly, total eclipses rarely take a path that crosses the entire nation from coast-to-coast; usually, just a small region will have the opportunity to see it. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible all the way from the Pacific to the Atlantic was on June 8th, 1918!
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center-Flickr
James West - Flickr
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon perfectly aligns between the earth and the sun. These events happen when the moon is in “New Moon” phase, but not every time – since angles are typically slightly off for the moon to fully cover the sun.
jakerome - Flickr
In Buffalo, we will be able to see a roughly 77% eclipse, in other words, approximately 3/4 of the sun will be covered by the moon’s shadow. According to the Buffalo Astronomical Association, the maximum eclipse (when you want to be outside to view this astrological event in the city) will occur at 3:33 PM.
NASA HQ PHOTO/Bill Ingalls - Flickr
Do not… I repeat… DO NOT stare at the eclipse without protective eyewear! Staring directly into the sun is never a good idea, and while most if it will be covered by shadow, it can still severely damage your retinas. Most viewing locations in Buffalo will provide specialized eclipse glasses, which can also be purchased from major retail stores or online.
torbakhopper - Flickr
Another option: you can make your own simple pinhole projector using a stiff piece of cardboard or sheets of paper and a thumbtack! NASA has several useful safety tips here to make sure you don’t damage your eyes while watching the big event.
This video gives a great visual for the pathway of the total eclipse as it moves across the country:
Were you around to experience the eclipse in 1963? Are you planning on stepping outside to see this one? Share your excitement with us in the comments below… and don’t forget to share your photos if you happen to snap any!
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