The annular eclipse is today. Will you be watching?
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POCATELLO — The much-anticipated annular solar eclipse is Saturday morning, the National Weather Service reminded eastern Idaho residents in a Facebook post Friday. Eastern Idaho residents should get a good view, assuming the weather cooperates.
You don’t want to miss the chance to see this dazzling display if you can help it. An annular eclipse won’t appear over this part of the world again until 2046, according to NASA.
The annular solar eclipse will begin in the United States at 9:13 a.m. PT (12:13 p.m. ET) and pass from Oregon to the Gulf Coast in Texas, appearing in Nevada, Utah and New Mexico along the way. The eclipse will be at its peak between 10 and 10:30 a.m. local time, according to the NWS, but you’ll want to be looking up before then.
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Folks in south-central Idaho are more likely to have a chance at a less-obstructed view of the historic event, according to the NWS. However, there’s a good chance eastern Idaho residents will be able to view part of the eclipse, too.
“A band of clouds will be moving through thanks to a passing shortwave,” the NWS stated. The cloudy conditions should be clearing out in the morning, but it may be “a race against time.”
If you’re going to be looking up, do so safely. Use specific eclipse glasses that have a special-purpose solar filter. Regular sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes. If you’ll be using binoculars, a telescope or a camera, make sure they have special solar filters, rather than trying to line up eclipse glasses over a lens.
Won’t see the eclipse in person? NASA is hosting a live stream beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, sharing views from Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kerrville, Texas; and White Sands, New Mexico.
The live stream is also available to view in the video player above.