Best Places to See the Total Eclipse Over Wyoming Skies in April

On April 8, 2024, a rare solar event occurs in the daytime sky. The sky will darken, and the moon will rise in the daytime sky, making a grand display as it passes before the sun. For folks in Wyoming, our air quality and lack of skyscrapers give us one magnificent view of the event - but some places will get a better view than others. Here's how to get the best look at the April '24 eclipse:

5 Things to Know About the Upcoming Eclipse:

This is a Solar Eclipse.

Solar eclipses occur when the moon covers the sun and can only happen when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned. Lunar eclipses occur when the moon moves into the Earth's shadow.

Solar Eclipses Only Happen at Specific Times in the Lunar Cycle.

A solar eclipse only happens at the New Moon.

You'll Want to Understand the Term 'Magnitude'.

'Magnitude' means how much of the sun's surface the moon covers during the eclipse.

You Need Eclipse Glasses.

You'll need eclipse glasses to protect your eyes. You can purchase them online. Sunglasses don't work the same way —never look at an eclipse without actual eclipse glasses on, or you risk eye damage.

Finding the Best View.

The fewer buildings around you, the better the view. Consider heading to a park or clearing at places like Vedauwoo, Curt Gowdy State Park, or your local picnic spot.

Learn more fun facts about the 2024 eclipse at astronomy.com or by clicking here.

When & Where to See the April '24 Eclipse:

 The April eclipse occurs on April 8, starting at around 11:30 a.m. Your best chance of seeing a near-total eclipse will be in Cheyenne, but other Wyoming towns will also have decent views.

Cheyenne residents will see a partial eclipse starting at 11:31:21 a.m., with the greatest surface of the sun covered around 12:42:32 p.m. If viewed from Cheyenne, about 69% of the sun's surface will be covered.

Laramie residents will see the eclipse beginning around 11:31:05 a.m. At 12:41:40 p.m., the moon will cover about 67.2% of the sun's surface.

Casper residents will see a partial eclipse covering a magnitude of 63% of the sun's surface. The eclipse starts around 11:33:54 a.m. and reaches its maximum around 12:42:44 p.m.

Jackson residents will see a partial eclipse beginning at 11:32:33 a.m. It will reach 55% magnitude around 12:37:40 p.m.

Learn more about eclipse viewing times and locations from Eclipse2024.org or by clicking here.