Total solar eclipses happen every 18 months worldwide, but seeing one from a specific location is rare, often taking centuries. The last total solar eclipse in Western New York was in 1925. The next total solar eclipse in the United States will not happen until 2044. The total solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime experience.

Always wear ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation during the eclipse.

Eclipse glasses are available at various locations throughout Buffalo, including science museums, visitor centers, and selected retail stores. For a list of vendors and pickup locations, check local event announcements or the lists on wgrz.com.

Use a solar filter on your camera lens and smartphones to safely capture the eclipse, and never look directly at the sun through the camera without proper eye protection. Filming the sun directly with a device during the eclipse without proper protection is not recommended.

Cloud cover may obstruct visibility, but partial phases of the eclipse might still be observable during thinner cloud coverage.

The best viewing locations in Buffalo include public places like museums, state park and universities, offering clear, unobstructed views. Visit buffaloeclipse.org for a detailed list.

Refer to the map of the eclipse path interactive eclipse map for precise timing based on your location within the eclipse's path. The closer you are to the centerline of the path of totality, the longer totality will last for you.