RED HOUSE — A partial eclipse event in October will serve as a dress rehearsal for the first total eclipse in the area in over 200 years next spring.
Camp Allegany, at the Red House area of Allegany State Park, will host a free eclipse party from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Officials say activities will run the whole time, allowing for a walk-in-friendly environment. Activities include an eclipse presentation, moon-themed cookie snacks, a pinhole viewer take-home craft, and the opportunity to witness the eclipse through provided eclipse glasses.
This event will be held rain or shine, with inclement weather still allowing for information on the April 8, 2024, total eclipse to be distributed.
The eclipse on Oct. 14 — caused by the moon passing between Earth and the sun — will see almost 30% of the sun obscured by the moon. The last partial eclipse seen locally was in August 2017, as a total eclipse passed across much of the United States.
An annular eclipse was seen at its peak in the area May 10, 1994, while the most recent before then was in 1925. The next annular eclipse seen at its peak locally will be July 23, 2093.
During a total eclipse, as will be seen April 8, the sun appears to be completely covered by the moon. According to NASA, only the southeastern corner of Cattaraugus County — including Allegany, Olean and Portville — will not be in the path of totality. Almost all of Allegany State Park except for a small portion near the Pennsylvania border will be in totality.
While such eclipses happen about every year and a half, NASA reports such eclipses cover a given point on the earth on average once every four centuries. The last total eclipse that the area saw at totality was June 16, 1806, while the next total eclipse that the area will witness in totality will be Oct. 26, 2144.
The American Astronomical Society offers several tips to keep eyes safe.
Do not look directly at the sun during the eclipse except during brief periods and only when in totality, or use protective equipment.
Sunglasses will not protect eyes, however. ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses, solar telescopes and pinhole projectors are recommended. NASA and the American Welding Society report welding goggles and helmets with a grade of 12 or 14 shade will keep eyes from damage.
If eyes are exposed to the sun without the appropriate protection, it can cause “eclipse blindness,” which can temporarily or permanently damage eyes.
