According to a Bloomberg report on the 7th, the northern part of the U.S. is excited over the total solar eclipse, an event not seen in about 100 years. Lasting approximately 4 minutes, this extraordinary cosmic show, transitioning from day to night, is expected to draw around 1 million people to Buffalo, New York, renowned for its Niagara Falls.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and earth align in a straight line, with the moon completely obscuring the sun and creating the distinctive appearance of a bright ring of light behind the darkened moon. This upcoming eclipse can be witnessed from various locations in western and northern New York, Ontario, Canada, and parts of Mexico. It marks a rare occurrence for New York, with the last total solar eclipse observed nearly a century ago. It has been 45 years since the previous observation in Ontario, Canada.
Cities in northern New York, such as Rochester, Syracuse, and Jamestown, eagerly anticipate the eclipse. Patrick Kaler, CEO of the tourism agency ‘Visit Buffalo Niagara,’ likened the excitement to that of the Super Bowl or a Taylor Swift concert, expressing years of anticipation for this event. Tours to witness the eclipse have been fully booked since the partial eclipse in 2017, approximately seven years ago. Buffalo, the second-largest city in New York, is poised to benefit significantly from the anticipated influx of 1 million visitors during this eclipse.
Data from AirDNA, an analytics company, shows that over half of the U.S. cities along the eclipse path had fully booked accommodations for the night of April 7th, with thousands of Airbnb listings expected to reach 100% occupancy. Authorities in New York’s Adirondacks and North Country regions have advised commuters to prepare for up to 12 hours of traffic congestion, with similar congestion anticipated in other areas.
Local cafes, bars, and breweries are also set to capitalize on the occasion. One bar overlooking the Erie Canal has sold nearly 300 tickets for an eclipse viewing party, providing guests with complimentary solar glasses and eclipse-themed cocktails. A brewery based in Buffalo has launched a special beer inspired by the eclipse, which has outsold their regular offerings twofold.
The economic analysis firm Perryman Group estimates that the total solar eclipse could generate an economic impact of $6 billion (approximately 8 trillion 124 billion won), primarily benefiting hotels, restaurants, and tourism industries across multiple states in the U.S.
Even amid busy budget negotiations, lawmakers request a day off to witness the eclipse. However, plans by 23 northern prisons to keep inmates indoors during the eclipse have sparked controversy, leading to a lawsuit filed by six inmates who argue that they have the right to observe the eclipse, considering it a religious event. The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. is not expected until 2044.
