North Idaho could see partial solar eclipse
This combination of photos shows the path of the sun during a total eclipse by the moon Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, near Redmond, Ore. On April 8, 2024, spectators who aren't near the path of totality or who get cloudy weather on eclipse day can still catch the total solar eclipse, with NASA, science centers and media organizations planning to stream live coverage online from different locations along the path. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
North Idahoans may get a glimpse of Monday's solar eclipse, but it's not looking good.
Weather permitting, tens of millions who live along a narrow stretch from Mexico's Pacific coast to eastern Canada can just look skyward Monday to glimpse day turn to twilight when the moon blots out the sun.
According to timeanddate.com, North Idaho will have a partial solar eclipse that could be visible late morning to early afternoon.
It reported that Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls will have a 27.63% solar eclipse starting at 10:40 a.m. with a maximum at 11:35 a.m. and ending at 12:33 p.m.
Areas of Idaho with a more visible solar eclipse, according to timeanddate.com, include Pocatello, which should have a totality of 43%, and Idaho Falls, at 42%.
A problem, however, could be the weather. Monday's forecast calls for cloudy conditions, with rain and snow likely, but there could be some clearings.
"We're not expecting to see too much of it," said Joey Clevenger with the National Weather Service in Spokane.
He said it will mostly be visible over Texas, into Ohio and into Maine.
"We're not going to do too much viewing of the solar eclipse," Clevenger said.
Eclipse glasses are a must to prevent eye damage. The only time it's safe to ditch protective glasses is during totality, or the few minutes of complete darkness.
NASA is offering several hours of streaming online and on NASA TV starting at 10 a.m. PDT from several cities along the totality path. The space agency will show telescope views of the sun and there will be appearances by scientists and space station astronauts.
The next eclipse in Idaho is projected to be a partial lunar eclipse Sept. 18.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.