The first day of a new year is a traditional time to look forward.
What will happen in industries vital to this region’s future? How will government and politics affect life? Will our favorite sports teams bring us joy or disappointment?
Buffalo News reporters cast their gaze on the future to predict and speculate. But in at least one case, we can see the future. We know that a rare event is coming on April 8 and for a few hours anyway, weather permitting, the world will be thinking about Buffalo.
Epicenter for the solar eclipse
Intense anticipation could end in wonder or utter disappointment. Western New York is in prime position to experience a total solar eclipse, destined for the region at 3:18 p.m. April 8, but a cloudy day could shroud the natural marvel from view.
Solar eclipses happen from two to five times per year while total solar eclipses happen roughly every 18 months. But being able to see one depends on where you are.
State and local officials already are talking about and making plans for an expected influx of people who may want to combine a pair of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as seeing the eclipse while visiting Niagara Falls.
Should skies be clear, viewers can remove their special eclipse glasses when the moon fully blots out the sun for about 4 minutes. In that time, daytime will be blanketed in darkness with the exception of brilliant rays from the sun’s outer atmosphere that lap around the moon’s edges as planets and stars pop into view.
Just before near darkness approaches, the shade of the moon yields a sliver of light that shimmers like a diamond ring. For Western New York, the eclipse could be a majestic, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Stadium developments
Now that the deal has been struck among the state, the county and the Buffalo Bills, and work on the stadium’s foundation is underway, those driving past 1 Bills Drive in Orchard Park should finally begin to see the steel frame rise up…
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