BOISE, Idaho — A total solar eclipse is shining it's light (or lack thereof) on North America on Monday, April 8; but will Idahoans see any of it?
Depending on where in the Gem State viewers are, the sun will be partially hidden by the moon at an approximate 30% to 45% totality, according to TimeandDate.com.
If you're willing to travel east, Preston, Idaho has the highest percentage of totality, with a view of the eclipse reaching nearly 46% totality. Alternatively, if you are in the north, say near Coeur d'Alene, totality will only reach 27%.
During a solar eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking the sunlight from fully illuminating certain parts of earth. Certain parts of North America will get a total eclipse (100% totality), meaning the sun will be completely blocked by the moon.
For Idahoans, the moon won't fully block out the sun. However, it will cover a significant portion, creating a unique experience for viewers, as the altered illumination can create rare shadow patterns and an ethereal-like dusk, all in the middle of the day.
Below is a list of Idaho towns, and the totality of eclipse they will see.
- Preston: 45.82%
- Pocatello: 43.21%
- Idaho Falls: 42.72%
- Twin Falls: 40.06%
- Mountain Home: 36.87%
- Boise: 35.15%
- Kuna: 34.99%
- Meridian: 34.86%
- Eagle: 34.76%
- Nampa: 34.59%
- Star: 34.52%
- Middleton: 34.27%
- Caldwell: 34.22%
- Ontario, Ore.: 33.16%
- McCall: 33.12%
- Weiser: 32.79%
- Lewiston: 29.26%
- Wallace: 29.12%
- Moscow: 28.74%
- Coeur d'Alene: 27.62%
For viewers who want to see the most amount of eclipse without leaving the state of Idaho, the best viewing area is the southeast corner of the state, near Bear Lake. The small township of St. Charles will 46.73% totality.
The timing of when the eclipse happens varies depending on location. In general, here in Idaho, the event will start happening around 11:30 a.m. and finish around 1:30 p.m. Exact times for your area can be found at TimeandDate.com.
How to safely watch:
The sun will not be fully blocked by the moon in Idaho, meaning that it's unsafe to look directly at the sun.
The best way to view the eclipse is to have special eclipse glasses, which allow viewers to safely look at the sun. People can also make a pinhole camera to view the eclipse. NASA provided a step-by-step instruction sheet here.
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