JACKSON, Wyo. — Just like it did in 2017, eclipse fever is spreading ahead of the total solar eclipse, expected on Monday, April 8.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun and darkening the sky. Although the path of totality will not include any of Wyoming this time, Jacksonites might be able to catch a glimpse of about 45% of the eclipse if the weather cooperates.
According to NASA, the eclipse will travel north across North America, beginning in Mexico before passing across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before visiting Canada.
NASA’s eclipse explorer suggests that a partial eclipse could be visible from the northwestern corner of Wyoming, with celestial action visible from roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Monday, April 8. The images below were generated by NASA’s eclipse explorer using the area code 83001.
Remember: protective eyewear must be worn when viewing a solar eclipse to avoid damage to the eyes. Eclipse glasses leftover from the 2017 eclipse will work, and so will welding glass. Do not look directly at the sun without approved eye protection.
Also worth remembering is the fact that cloudy skies could significantly hamper any eclipse visibility on the big day. Keep an eye on the forecast.
The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. isn’t expected until 2044, according to NASA.
The National Weather Service’s Riverton office made a short video to help Wyomingites know what to expect when they look skyward.
For those farther afield, NASA will livestream the eclipse on April 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. MDT.
