Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The planning is well underway for a total solar eclipse that will occur April 8, 2024. Buffalo will be in the path of totality.
"This is definitely a once in a lifetime kind of event," said Williamsville SpaceLab Planetarium Director Mark Percy. "The last one that occurred in Buffalo was in 1925 and the next one won't be until 2144."
Just after 3 p.m. ET on April 8 next year, the region is expected to go black for about four minutes.
'The blockage of the sun will get deeper and deeper," said Percy. "Then some really wild phenomena start to happen. Things called shadow bands can be seen on the ground. The temperature will drop dramatically."
Percy has experienced two total eclipses and both times the temperature dropped over 20 degrees in a couple of minutes.
"It will get very dark, like a very deep twilight. Five planets will be visible without a telescope around the sun and moon. And once the last part of the sun is blocked, you'll be able to see the outer atmosphere of the sun, known as the corona, which is stunningly beautiful."
Percy said you can look at pictures online of the corona, but there is nothing like seeing it with your own eyes.
He said an event like a solar eclipse can also bring about bizarre human behavior.
"Sometimes people scream or break down because it's so strange. Animals get confused because all of a sudden it seems like it is nighttime."
Pat Kaler, President of Visit Buffalo Niagara (VBN) , said the event is going to bring a lot of people to the area. "We already have over a thousand hotel rooms booked with bus groups and the person who handles the tour and travel department is answering questions every single day from tour operators
looking to come to Buffalo."
VBN is having discussions with parks, the outer harbor and other outside venues to get them to start thinking about what they can do to have eclipse watch parties.
"Wouldn't it be great," Kaler said, "If this was the kickoff to the Bisons season and there was an afternoon game. Or if they are out of town, opening up Sahlen Field for eclipse viewing since they have restrooms and food options."
Traffic is one of the biggest concerns. "What has happened in other cities, is that highways become a parking lot because people just pull over to watch it. So we're working with Erie County, New York State Police and other
municipalities. We need access for police and fire if something were to happen."
While it is a year out, Percy said now is a good time to secure eclipse glasses.
"They're pretty simple devices. They have a special filter on them to make it safe to look directly at the sun. When purchased in bulk, they can cost as little as 50-cents a pair. We're encouraging anybody and everybody who can to buy them in bulk and share them or sell them so that we don't get caught in the last minute crunch like happened in 2017 when we experienced a partial eclipse.
An eclipse website has been setup at BuffaloEclipse.org with updated information.
What happens if the day turns out to be cloudy and rainy?
"We'll still have a total eclipse, said Percy. It will still get dark and the temperature will drop. But look at the weather today and tomorrow. It's going to be beautiful with mostly sunny days. We need everyone in Western New York to keep their fingers and toes crossed for great clear weather that day."
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