Monday’s solar eclipse in Wyoming about 50 percent of totality

WORLAND (WNE) — Those who saved their solar eclipse glasses from 2017 may want to grab them for Monday.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada, according to the NASA website. According to eclipse2024. org, the mid eclipse will be at 12:42 p.m. with the eclipse beginning at 11:35 a.m.

Magnitude is at 58%, compared to the 2017 total eclipse that hit Wyoming and Worland was at a near total eclipse.

The 2017 totality path crossed through Wyoming. Monday’s path does not.

During coverage of the 2017 eclipse, Dr. Kirby Treat of Clear Image Vision in Worland said people viewing the eclipse should get specialized eclipse glasses because looking directly at the sun can cause permanent damage to the eyes.

Treat said the eclipse glasses can be a safe way to view the eclipse but only during short periods. He said even with the glasses, people should not stare at the sun for long periods of time. The glasses must have a certified rating of ISO 12312-2 and be in pristine condition.

People should put them on before looking up at the sun, not while they are looking.

According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse that will be able to be seen from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

This story was published on April 4, 2024.