Martz-Kohl Observatory Bulletin
Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024
This bulletin is being provided by the Martz-Kohl Observatory to inform the public of an exceptional rare and spectacular event that will be occurring locally on April 8th 2024 at approximately 3:18 P.M.
Since this event involves the Sun we want to also issue a warning to use proper protection from the Suns light both before and after the Moons total coverage of the Suns surface. In addition the influx of an extremely large number of people into the area will create oppertunities for local businesses including, motels, restaurants, gasoline serive stations and others. From prior experiences learned from the Total Solar Eclipse of August 21st 2017 there will be an extreme amount of traffic congestion that whole day. Local authorities should start planning now on how to manage this traffic and other logistics. Schools will be impacted due to the event occuring on a Monday with possible long delays with the bussing of students. In several school districts in the area there is a no school day already in place.
This is the first Total Solar Eclipse with the path of totality passing through the area since June 16, 1806 and there will not be another one until October 26, 2144. Locally the amount of time the Moon covers the Sun will vary depending on your location in the eclipse path. The paths southern limit edge passes just south of Titusville and Warren and north of Olean. Closer to the centerline in lake Erie or south of Buffalo you can expect over 3 minutes 40 seconds of coverage. Warren and Titusville will be around 45-50 seconds and Jamestown 2 minutes 53 seconds of coverage.
This bulletin is authored by Tom Traub, Vice President of the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association Inc. and NASA Solar Eclipse Ambassador. If you wish to know more about this event or the potential influx of visitors please contact Tom at the Martz-Kohl Observatory. E-mail: martzobservatory@hotmail.com
What is a Solar Eclipse?
Eclipse Map for Western New York
Times are for the Martz-Kohl Observatory in Frewsburg, NY
View the Total Solar Eclipse at a NY State Park
Did you know that there are four different types of solar eclipses? Do you know how to safely view a solar eclipse? NASA Eclipse Ambassador and experienced amateur astronomer, Tom Traub provides a historical view of solar eclipses and explains how and why eclipses happen and what you can expect to experience on April 8, 2024. Tom is Vice President of the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc. (MMMAA), the nonprofit organization that operates the Martz-Kohl Observatory.
Solar Glasses Available from the Observatory
for more info, e-mail: martzobservatory@hotmail.com
User Instructions: Inspect each time before use. Do not use and discard if damaged, torn, punctured or separated from the frame in any way. Do not use with other optical devices. This is not a toy. Children should only use with adult supervision. Limited to 3 minutes continuous use, intermittently for several hours. When using these glasses do not move around, drive a motor vehicle, or operate machinery. Do not use with diseased eye or after eye surgery.
Warning: Never look at the sun without special eye protection. When viewing the eclipse, use eclipse glasses at all times when any part of the Sun is visible. Direct viewing of the Sun can cause permanent damage if the proper precautions are not taken. Adequate eye protection specifically designed for viewing the Sun is essential and should be worn so that no harmful rays from the Sun can reach the eye. Clean with a soft cloth or tissue only. Discard and do not use after 3 years.
3D Print a Pinhole Viewer
If you have access to a 3D printer, you can print a pinhole viewer in the shape of New York State with the path of the eclipse highlighted. Pinhole projectors are great ways to watch the partial phases of the eclipse. 3D print files and info can be found on the Rochester, NY Eclipse Website.
To use your 3D-printed projector, have your back towards the Sund and the 3D print above your shoulder. Have a piece of paper or other material nearby to act as a screen. You will see an inverted image of the Sun projected onto the screen.
