The Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, has announced an exciting partnership between the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, various tourism partners in Niagara Falls, and NASA for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. This grand celestial event is projected to attract thousands to the region of Niagara Falls.
This event promises informative programming and engaging exhibits by experts and astronauts from NASA at several locations around the city: The Niagara Falls Public Libraries, The Underground Railroad Heritage Center, The Aquarium of Niagara, the New York Power Authority Power Vista, the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, and Niagara Falls State Park. The activities are scheduled to be free of charge, accessible to all with potential reservations depending on space availability.
Governor Hochul showed enthusiasm for the partnership and noted the unparalleled natural setting that Niagara Falls affords for this unique event. The NASA programming aims to educate and pique the curiosity of the local community, inspiring the forthcoming generation of explorers, scientists, and engineers.
To prepare for the event, a task force comprising state agencies, authorities, and different levels of government has assembled to ensure the attendees’ safety and health. This joint effort involves studying past eclipse events, with emphasis on elements like communication, traffic management, planning, marketing, and education. The state of New York would provide logistical aid and manage its resources, including parks and roads.
Erik Kulleseid, the State Parks Commissioner highlighted the importance of working with NASA on this unique experience, anticipating a surge in visitors to the city. Destination Niagara’s CEO, John Percy, stressed that thanks to its natural beauty, Niagara Falls USA is the prime location for viewing the total solar eclipse.
State Senator Rob Ortt and Assemblymember Angelo Morinello shared their enthusiasm for the rare event and NASA’s participation, anticipating memorable experiences for both the local community and visitors.
Robert Restaino, the Mayor of Niagara Falls, showed gratitude to Governor Hochul for recognizing Niagara Falls as the perfect setting for this phenomenal natural event.
The New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Vista is thrilled about its joint programming with NASA and NYS Parks in supporting this unique viewing and educational opportunity, as NASA’s last designated “sun spot†before the eclipse moves into Canada.
William Murabito, the President of Niagara County Community College, is looking forward to the event at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, considering it an advantageous site for this collaboration.
The solar eclipse in Niagara Falls will commence at 2:04 pm, with complete totality beginning at 3:18 pm, spanning 3 minutes and 31 seconds.
Updates regarding the event in Niagara Falls will be available on the official website, while information on events across the New York State can be accessed through I Love NY’s events page.
For more details, visit our Events in Niagara page. Make sure to mark your calendars for this one-of-a-kind experience!