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0Total Solar Eclipse
The Eclipse is Coming
On Monday, April 8, 2024, Buffalo, NY will experience a total solar eclipse.
This means that the moon will be in front of the sun, blocking its light and making it appear like nighttime in the middle of the day! This phenomenon only happens when you are in the path of totality — which we will be! During the eclipse, streetlights may come on, animals may become quiet, and you will feel a difference in the temperature. Before the moon is fully in front of the sun, you can use special glasses and equipment to view the moon’s movements. You may also be able to see stars and planets during the eclipse, and the sun’s corona (the atmosphere around the sun).
Buffalo, NY as a region is anticipating a large influx of visitors to experience the eclipse. Many schools have already extended their spring break so that busses will not be on the road during the eclipse and the subsequent traffic once it’s complete. If you are local to the area, your best viewing experience may be in your own backyard, so you are not stuck in post-eclipse traffic.
What to expect on April 8th
Partial eclipse begins a little after 2pm.
Totality will begin at about 3:15 pm, depending on your location, and last between 3 and 4 minutes.
Partial eclipse ends at about 4:30 pm
Eclipse Countdown
FUN FACTS
- Next Total Solar Eclipse in US: August 12, 2045
- Next Total Solar Eclipse in NY: May 1, 2079
Safety
You should never look directly at the sun.
You need special eclipse glasses to view the eclipse safely. Your glasses or solar viewers should have an ISO 12312-2 certification on them.
If you are planning to use binoculars, telescopes or a camera, you will need to purchase additional safety equipment. Learn more about those special solar filters here.
We have ISO certified eclipse glasses for sale at our education center. Stop by during business hours (M-F 9am-4:30pm and Sat. 1-4:30pm) to purchase some eclipse glasses. They are $2 for 1 pair of glasses, or $5 for 3 pairs.
Planning your viewing experience
As long as we have clear skies on April 8th, the eclipse can be viewed from anywhere in the Buffalo area. Reinstein Woods will have some great locations to view both the partial and total phases of the eclipse.
Officials are anticipating hundreds of thousands tourists coming into the region to view the eclipse, causing some traffic jams before and after. If you are planning to come to Reinstein Woods to view the eclipse, please take the following into consideration:
- We have about 100 parking spots available
- Bathrooms are available from 8am to 5pm
- Education Center open from 9am - 4:30pm**
- Limited seating will be available in high visibility areas
- Snacks & drinks available for purchase
** The Education Center will be closed during the prime viewing time so staff can go outside to view totality.
We cannot accomodate the following:
- Camping
- Overnight Parking
- Drones
- Pets. ONLY service dogs and miniature ponies are allowed.
Parking in our lot will be first-come-first-served. We will have staff and volunteers helping to direct cars to spots and help with egress after the eclipse. Signs will be put out on Como Park Blvd. if the lot is filled.
All preserve rules remain in effect and can be viewed here.
Programming
Check out our programs leading up to the eclipse. All programs require registration unless otherwise noted. To register, please call 716-683-5959.
March Programs
Wednesday, March 13 at 4:30 PM
Wild Wednesday: Eclipse Edition
Through interactive activities, kids and their caregivers can enjoy learning what a solar eclipse is and how to view it safely. For children in grades K-5.
Saturday, March 16 at 10 AM
How to Throw an Eclipse Party
Learn how to plan for sun location and safe viewing options for guests, brainstorm eclipse-themed snacks, and try multiple kid- and adult-friendly activities to keep your guests entertained!
Saturday, March 30 at 10 AM
Eggclipse for Kids!
Learn about the eclipse and then dye eggs to make a “sun” and “moon.” For kids age 6-10. Eclipse glasses included. Materials fee: $8/child; $5 Friends of Reinstein members.
April Programs
Tuesday, April 2 at 10 AM
Sounds of the Eclipse
Join us on this walk to learn different animal sounds to listen to during the solar eclipse. Participants will learn to identify common bird, insect, and frog calls.
Thursday, April 4th at 1 PM
Sun Clocks
Have you ever wondered how people told time before we had clocks? Explore some out-of-this-world science by making a pocket sun clock! Learn how the Earth, sun, and moon move and become an expert for the Total Solar Eclipse. For kids ages 10 and up.
Friday, April 5 at 10 AM
Eclipse Survival Walk
Join this walk through the woods and learn how to view the eclipse safely, what will happen during the solar eclipse on April 8, and what changes in the environment to look for during totality.