NASA Is Heading to Niagara Falls for the 2024 Solar Eclipse — Here’s Why

If you haven’t yet made plans to see the total solar eclipse in 2024, Niagara Falls is beckoning. The New York State destination is partnering with NASA on a series of eclipse events and exhibitions in the days leading up to the grand show, as well as day-of programming.

“We have been planning for this event for several years and in our wildest dreams couldn’t have imagined being able to work with NASA to provide this incredible experience,” New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure.

The scientist- and expert-led experiences — all of which will be free to the public — will kick off on April 4 and be hosted in venues throughout Niagara Falls, including Niagara Falls Public Libraries, The Underground Railroad Heritage Center, The Aquarium of Niagara, and Niagara Falls State Park, where the falls themselves are located, among other sites.

“We’re excited to be in New York to engage and educate Niagara Falls and surrounding communities about the total solar eclipse,” NASA Associate Administrator for Science Nicola Fox, also shared with T+L. “We hope these events, along with all our nationwide eclipse activities, inspire and encourage the next generation — the Artemis Generation — of explorers, scientists, and engineers.”

Niagara Falls is located within the eclipse’s path of totality, which means the moon will fully obscure the sun for several minutes, plunging the destination into an eerie but spectacular darkness. In Niagara Falls, the eclipse will begin at 2:04 p.m. ET on April 8, 2024; totality will occur at 3:18 p.m. ET and last for 3 minutes and 31 seconds. The eclipse will conclude at 4:31 p.m. ET.

“Niagara Falls is a spectacular natural backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime event, and working with NASA to provide the programming and education leading up to the eclipse is sure to attract thousands of New Yorkers and visitors to the city,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul added in the statement.

Though NASA’s official program has not yet been announced, you’ll be able to find all the details at niagarafallsusa.com/2024-solar-eclipses as information becomes available.