Weiser Area Gets Full View of 2017 Total Eclipse

October 11, 2020

24

By Larissa Cheney

Weiser will have an extremely lucky opportunity next year on August 21, 2017 to be one of the best places in the country to view a total solar eclipse, the first in almost 38 years. This lineup of the Sun, Moon, and Earth will cause a shadow to pass over the sun, at one point totally eclipsing it for about two minutes.

Everyone in the US will be able to see a partial eclipse just before noon if weather permits, but the best view is all about totality, which means the sun is entirely covered. Weiser and the surrounding area is one of several places that will have the chance to view totality. Other places in Idaho that would make great destinations are Idaho Falls or Borah Peak, but totality will not be visible in Boise or Pocatello. Those who can camp at that point in the summer and want to see a good show absolutely should, and having the ability to move if weather isn’t appropriate is a good thing to keep in mind.

Those who don’t mind going out of state should consider the Oregon Coast for their eclipse viewing pleasure. At the beginning of the eclipse, a beach north of Newport will be touched by the first shadow, and Lincoln Beach and Depoe Bay will be plunged into darkness for two entire minutes.

Telescopes will not be needed to view this event. Even binoculars will show everything, but everyone is advised to be careful and not stare directly at the sun. Many websites sell eclipse glasses and they can be made cheaply at home with recycled materials.

A year may seem pretty far off, but astronomy junkies be warned: rooms and locations are already filling up! If this seems like a good chance to get out of town or bring someone in, consider reserving early.