The total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 was the first to cross the U.S. from west to east in a century. There was no doubt we’d travel to see it, the question was where to go. We first decided to go to Shoshoni, Wyoming so we could meet with our daughter and husband who live in Denver; however as the time drew near the weather reports showed possible clouds in Shoshoni. We cancelled our hotel in Wyoming and selected Weisner, Idaho as our viewing site. Weisner was a good choice. The town had an annual fiddle contest and was well prepared to handle large crowds. We were able to secure a campsite on the soccer field of Weisner High School.
There was a festive atmosphere on the soccer field as everyone prepared for the big event. The first contact at 10:10 AM was announced by shouts heard around the field. Evert had his camera set up and was taking photos every 20 seconds. There was little change in visible light for most of the first phase, but as totality neared, the air began to cool and light dimmed. The shadow that approached from the west just before totality looked like a storm cloud. Suddenly it was dark and the sun’s corona was strikingly visible. Two minutes and thirteen seconds went all too quickly.
There was a festive atmosphere on the soccer field as everyone prepared for the big event. The first contact at 10:10 AM was announced by shouts heard around the field. Evert had his camera set up and was taking photos every 20 seconds. There was little change in visible light for most of the first phase, but as totality neared, the air began to cool and light dimmed. The shadow that approached from the west just before totality looked like a storm cloud. Suddenly it was dark and the sun’s corona was strikingly visible. Two minutes and thirteen seconds went all too quickly.
Evert is setting up to photograph the eclipse. Weather using a telescope, camera or eclipse glasses, everyone was preparing for the big event.
A brief clear, dark day
This video of the solar eclipse was taken by our friend John Zimmerman.