Great North American Eclipse Over USS Little Rock
Get front row access to the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8!
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Buffalo Naval & Military Park is offering the experience of a lifetime with front row access to the Great North American Eclipse.
Buffalo, NY will be in the center of the path of totality starting at 3:18 PM EDT, which means that we will have a prime location to view the sky darkening as the Sun is fully eclipsed by the Moon.
We can’t think of a better place to watch the Total Eclipse than on board the USS Little Rock at the Buffalo Naval Park, and we are offering two ways to experience it.
Purchasing a Day Pass or participating in our Eclipse Overnight Youth Encampment is the only way to come aboard the ships on April 8, as the Naval Park will not be open to the public for regular tours.
We will be offering a full schedule of tours and events all weekend long! Check out the weekend schedule here.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. During a total eclipse, the Moon lines up perfectly to fully block out the Sun, resulting in “totality”; in a partial eclipse, the Moon and the Sun are not perfectly aligned and only part of the Sun is blocked; and during an annular eclipse, alignment is perfect but the Moon is too far away from the Earth to completely obscure the Sun. The fact that a total solar eclipse is visible from Earth only along a very narrow path for just a few short minutes makes totality one of nature’s rarest events.
When will you be able to view the eclipse?
Here is when the eclipse will be viewable in Buffalo. Totality only lasts for a few minutes!
– Partial eclipse begins: 2:04 PM EDT
– Totality begins: 3:18 PM EDT
– Totality ends: 3:22 PM EDT
– Partial eclipse ends: 4:32 PM EDT
When will the next eclipse take place in our region?
After April 2024, the next partial solar eclipse in our region will be August 12, 2045. The next total solar eclipse over our region will be October 26, 2144.
What are the safety guidelines for viewing the eclipse?
The Naval Park staff will be fully trained in all aspects of safety related to the eclipse. All participants will receive certified eclipse glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2, the international safety standard for filters for direct viewing of the Sun.
Do I have to wear the glasses?
It is never safe to look directly at the Sun with your naked eye. For the safety of our visitors, eclipse glasses are required to be worn during the eclipse. The only time it’s safe to look at a total eclipse without proper eye protection is during the brief period of totality when the Sun is 100% blocked by the Moon.
Where will we watch the eclipse?
The Buffalo Naval Park has designated areas on the USS Little Rock for prime viewing locations.
Can I buy tickets to tour the Naval Park on April 8?
Purchasing a Day Pass or participating in our Eclipse Overnight Youth Encampment is the only way to come aboard the ships on Monday, April 8, as the Naval Park will not be open to the public for regular tours.
Who can participate in the overnight encampment?
Our overnight programming is designed for youth campers and is available to any organized group (scouts, schools, churches, etc.) and to family units. Youth participants must be between the ages of 6-18. Children under the age of 6 are prohibited.
Adult supervision is required for youth participants at all times. A minimum of one (1) adult leader is required for every five (5) youth guests. For youth ages 6 & 7, we require a ratio of one (1) adult for every one (1) youth. Adults must be 21 years of age or older.
What is the refund policy?
There is a non-refundable deposit due upon registering that will hold your place for the Overnight Youth Encampment. Final payment is due March 22, 2024.
There will be no refunds due to weather or any other force majeure. While a clear sky provides the most optimal experience, the natural effects of the eclipse can be experienced regardless of weather.
The day passes are non-refundable. Some exceptions may apply.
How is the Eclipse Overnight Youth Encampment different from a regular Overnight Youth Encampment?
The cost for the Eclipse Overnight Youth Encampment is higher than a regular overnight due to the number of added activities, giveaways, meals, and time spent on board to get front row access to the total solar eclipse.
For more information about overnight encampments, please visit our FAQ page.
Where can I learn more about the eclipse?
There are a number of resources that will provide additional information: