BUFFALO, N.Y. — The countdown has begun and people are beginning to prepare for what to many is a once in a lifetime experience.
On Monday, April 8 many parts of Western New York will find themselves in the direct path of totality for the total solar eclipse. According to the National Solar Observatory, totality will be visible in Buffalo for 3 minutes 45 seconds, and in Niagara Falls for 3 minutes 30 seconds.
During a solar eclipse, the moon lines up perfectly between the Earth and the sun. It is important to note that this does not mean the sun is completely blocked. A bright, blazing border will appear on the moon which is what you'll want to see during the phenomenon.
But something people must remember when viewing the solar eclipse is that your eyes must be protected from what NASA describes as the 'Ring of Fire', and regular sunglasses will not do the trick.
So where can people get these special 'Ring of Fire' protective glasses? Many places around WNY will have eclipse-safe eyewear available for free, purchase, and at events supplying glasses to attendees.
Where to Get Eclipse Glasses in WNY:
- All 37 branches of the Buffalo & Erie County Libraries
- Friends of Knox Farm in East Aurora
- Buffalo Outer Harbor
- Buffalo Museum of Science (2 free pairs per person at front desk)
- Grand Island Optical
- Big Ditch Brewing with the purchase of their Eclipse themed 6-pack IPA
- Town of Hamburg Department of Youth, Recreation & Senior Services
- American Paper Optics
- Rainbow Symphony
- Thousand Oaks Optical
- Transit Drive-In in Lockport
- Challenger Learning Center of Orleans, Niagara and Erie County
- Niagara Falls Visitor Center
- Some select Wegmans locations
- East Avenue Vision Center in Lockport
- The Buffalo Zoo
- Wegmans (including the one on Sheridan in Amherst)
- 7th Magnitude Podcast
- Frank Lloyd Wright: Martin House
- Frank Lloyd Wright: Graycliff
- Vidler's in East Aurora
- Walmart
- Made In America Store
- 26 Shirts free glasses with the purchase of a shirt
- Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
- Buffalo Ophthalmology
- Chautauqua County
- Made For Good Shop
- Roycroft Campus in East Aurora
- Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Libraries
- Walden Galleria Mall
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Are we missing a place? Let us know here.
Those buying glasses online are reminded to always buy from a reputable safe source. People can view a list of approved suppliers from the American Astronomical Society by clicking here.