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2024 Solar Eclipse - Chautauqua County Safety Guide

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Welcome to the ultimate safety guide for experiencing the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Chautauqua County, New York.

Chautauqua County is set to be a prime location to view the 2024 Solar Eclipse. This rare event promises a breathtaking display in our skies. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth. This results in a temporary dimming of sunlight, transforming day into night.

Eclipse Viewing Timeline: WNY

Partial Phase Commencement: 2:04 PM

Transition to Totality Begins: 3:18 PM

Maximum

Totality:

3:20 PM

Totality

Conclusion:

3:22 PM

Conclusion of Partial Phase:

4:32 PM

The initial phase of the eclipse begins as the Moon gently intersects the Sun, creating a captivating celestial dance that captivates the sky.

At this moment, the Moon starts its journey to completely obscure the Sun, initiating the transformative transition towards the awe-inspiring totality.

Chautauqua County experiences the peak of the total solar eclipse, with the Moon perfectly aligning with the Sun, casting a surreal spectacle that transforms the daylight into an ethereal twilight.

The extraordinary alignment reaches its culmination, concluding the total phase and transitioning back to the partial eclipse.

As the Moon completes its trajectory across the Sun, the partial phase concludes, marking the end of this extraordinary celestial event.

*Times are estimated based on NASA data.

This detailed timeline offers a guide to witnessing the various phases of the total solar eclipse, providing spectators with optimal moments for an awe-inspiring celestial experience.

While several viewing locations and events are listed on tourchautauqua.com, residents are reminded that clear visibility is all that's needed to witness this extraordinary event. The ease of viewing from home eliminates the need to navigate expected traffic, providing a tranquil way to enjoy the eclipse. 

To ensure you make the most of this celestial phenomenon, follow these essential tips:

Plan Your Arrival and Departure: Come Early, Stay Late

Since this event is so rare and Chautauqua County is on the path of totality, or expected to be one of the best areas to see the “total solar eclipse”, we anticipate a large influx of visitors to the area. Residents are encouraged to prepare by ensuring essential items such as food, water, and prescription medications are readily available so that they can avoid unnecessary travel during the potentially congested days leading up to, during, and after the eclipse.

The path of totality includes Erie, PA and Buffalo, NY. Travel to those areas during this time may be difficult with significant delays. Please plan accordingly.

  • Avoid the Rush: Beat the crowds and traffic jams by planning your arrival well in advance. The early bird catches the best viewing spot, and staying late ensures you witness the entire eclipse.
  • Traffic-Friendly Tips: Check local traffic updates, use alternative routes if necessary, and consider carpooling to minimize congestion.

Protect Your Eyes: DO NOT look into the SUN without proper protection. 

do

don't

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eclipse Glasses: Pickup a Free Pair Today!

glasses

In preparation for the celestial spectacle on April 8, 2024, Chautauqua County Government is providing free ISO 12312-2 certified solar glasses to ensure safe viewing of the solar eclipse.

Chautauqua County Government, alongside several partners, have strategically planned distribution points across the county to make acquiring solar glasses convenient for all.

Distribution locations include the following:

  • Ashville Fire Department
    • 5338 Stow Rd, Ashville, NY
  • Bemus Point Village Office
    • 13 Alburtus Ave, Bemus Point, NY
  • Brocton Fire Department
    • 80 Lake Ave, Brocton, NY
  • Brooks Memorial Hospital
    • 529 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY
  • Cassadaga Fire Department
    • 22 Mill St, Cassadaga, NY
  • Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce
    • 300 N Main St, Jamestown, NY
  • Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services
    • Mayville: 7 N. Erie St., First Floor, Mayville, NY
    • Jamestown: 107 Institute St., Suite 201 Jamestown, NY
    • Dunkirk: Dunkirk Senior Center, 45 Cliffstar Court, Dunkirk, NY
  • Chautauqua County Executive’s Office
    • 3 N. Erie St., Mayville, NY
  • Chautauqua County Health Department
    • 7 N. Erie St., Fourth Floor, Mayville, NY
  • Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport
    • 3163 Airport Dr, Jamestown, NY
  • Chautauqua County Landfill
    • 3889 Towerville Rd, Jamestown, NY
  • Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
    • 15 E Chautauqua St, Mayville, NY
  • CHQ Transit
    • 234 Hopkins Avenue Jamestown, NY
  • Chautauqua County Veteran Services
    • 567 Fairmount Ave., Warwick Plaza, Jamestown, NY
  • Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau
    • One Massey Avenue, Chautauqua, NY
  • County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency
    • 201 W 3rd St. #115, Jamestown, NY
    • 214 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY
  • Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System
    • Ashville Free Library
      • 2200 North Maple St, Ashville, NY
    • Bemus Point Public Library
      • 13 Main St., Bemus Point, NY
    • Cassadaga Branch Library
      • 18 Maple Ave., Cassadaga, NY
    • Clymer-French Creek Free Library
      • 564 Clymer-Sherman Rd., Clymer, NY
    • Darwin R Barker Library Association
      • 7 Day St., Fredonia, NY
    • Dunkirk Public Library
      • 536 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY
    • Ellicottville Memorial Library
      • 6499 Maples Rd, Ellicottville, NY
    • Ellington Farman Library
      • 760 Thornton Rd., Ellington, NY
    • Falconer Public Library
      • 101 West Main St., Falconer, NY
    • Fluvanna Free Library
      • 3532 Fluvanna Ave. Ext Jamestown, NY
    • Hazeltine Public Library
      • 891 Busti-Sugar Grove Rd., Jamestown, NY
    • James Prendergast Library Association
      • 509 Cherry St., Jamestown, NY
    • Kennedy Free Library
      • 649 Second St., Kennedy, NY
    • Lakewood Memorial Library
      • 12 West Summit St., Lakewood, NY
    • Mary E Seymour Memorial Free Library
      • 22 North Main St., Stockton, NY
    • Mayville Library
      • 92 South Erie St., Mayville, NY
    • Minerva Free Library
      • 116 Miller St., Sherman, NY
    • Myers Memorial Library
      • 23 Ivory St., Frewsburg, NY
    • Patterson Library
      • 40 South Portage St., Westfield, NY
    • Ripley Public Library
      • 64 West Main St., Ripley, NY
    • Smith Memorial Library
      • 21 Miller Ave., Chautauqua, NY
  • Chautauqua Fire Department
    • 2 Royal Way, Mayville, NY
  • Chautauqua Institution
    • 1 Ames Ave, Chautauqua, NY
  • City of Jamestown
    • 200 E 3rd St, Jamestown, NY
  • Dunkirk City Hall
    • 338 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY
      • Clerk's Office
      • Treasurer's Office
      • Dunkirk Youth & Rec Office
  • Ellery Fire Department
    • 4400 Dutch Hollow Rd, Bemus Point, NY
  • Ellington Fire Department
    • 769 E Main St, Ellington, NY
  • Falconer Fire Department
    • 115 Davis St, Falconer, NY
  • Findley Lake Fire Department
    • 10372 Main St, Findley Lake, NY
  • Fluvanna Community Historical Society
    • 3502 Fluvanna Ave, Ellicott, NY
  • Fredonia Fire Department
    • 80 W Main St, Fredonia, NY
  • Frewsburg Fire Department
    • 88 W Main St, Frewsburg, NY
  • Hanover Center Fire Department
    • 11919 Hanover Rd, Silver Creek, NY
  • Jamestown BPU
    • 92 Steele St, Jamestown, NY
  • Jamestown Community College
    • 525 Falconer St, Jamestown, NY
  • Kiantone Fire Department
    • 2318 Stillwater St, Jamestown, NY
  • Maple Springs Fire Department
    • 5385 Maple Springs-Ellery Rd, Maple Springs, NY
  • Mayville Fire Department
    • 2 Royal Way, Mayville, NY
  • Ripley Fire Department
    • 11 S State St, Ripley, NY
  • Silver Creek Fire Department
    • 172 Central Ave, Silver Creek, NY
  • Stockton Fire Department
    • 28 Stockton-Kimball Stand Rd, Stockton, NY
  • Sunset Bay Fire Department
    • 12798 Allegany Rd, Irving, NY
  • Town of Chautauqua
    • Chautauqua Municipal Building, 2 Academy St, Mayville, NY
  • Town of Clymer
    • 8868 W Main St, Clymer, NY
  • Town of Dunkirk
    • 4737 Willow Rd, ​Dunkirk, NY
  • Town of Ellery
    • 25 Sunnyside Ave, Bemus Point, NY
  • Town of Ellington Town Hall
    • 813 W Main St, Ellington, NY
  • Town of Hanover / Silver Creek
    • Town Hall: 68 Hanover Rd., Silver Creek, NY
    • Village Hall: 172 Central Ave, Silver Creek, NY
  • Town of Harmony
    • 1001 Blockville Watts Flats Road, Ashville NY
  • Town of Kiantone
    • 1521 Peck Settlement Rd, Jamestown, NY
  • Town of Poland
    • 3593 Church St., Kennedy, NY
  • Town of Portland
    • 87 W Main St, Brocton, NY
  • Town of Villenova
    • 1088 Butcher Rd, South Dayton, NY
  • Town of Westfield
    • 23 Elm St, Westfield, NY
  • UPMC Chautauqua Hospital
    • 207 Foote Ave, Jamestown, NY
  • Village of Falconer
    • 101 W Main St, Falconer, NY
  • Village of Fredonia
    • 9-11 Church St., Fredonia, NY
  • Village of Lakewood
    • 20 W Summit St, Lakewood, NY

Members of the public are encouraged to collect solar glasses from the mentioned locations, while businesses, community groups, organizations, and schools seeking larger quantities can email glasses@CHQGov.com to file a request.

Weather Preparedness: Stay Informed

- Check Weather Updates: Keep a close eye on weather forecasts as the eclipse day approaches. Stay flexible and be prepared to move to an alternate location if needed. Learn more at www.weather.gov/buf/totaleclipse

- Backup Plans: Have a backup plan in case of unfavorable weather conditions. Research indoor viewing events or live streams to ensure you don't miss the spectacle.

NY-Alert: Stay Updated

Sign up to the NY-Alert system to receive critical information and emergency alerts for Chautauqua County during the Eclipse and at other times throughout the year. NY-Alert contains critical, emergency-related information including instructions and recommendations in real-time by emergency personnel. Residents can sign up at alert.ny.gov.

Ready for the Eclipse Adventure? Follow CHQGov.com/eclipse for comprehensive updates and helpful resources. Make your 2024 Solar Eclipse experience safe and truly unforgettable!