STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The total solar eclipse, scheduled for midday Aug. 21 in Sun Valley, will allow us to see the sun’s corona—something never visible except during a total solar eclipse.
Betsy Mizell, part of the Idaho Conservation League’s Ketchum team, says the view of the moon blocking the sun with the sun’s corona shimmering around it will be a scene of unimaginable beauty.
But you need sun shades—or eye protection—to view the event safely.
You can damage your retinas permanently or even go blind looking at the eclipse without appropriate protection, particularly if you’re using a telescope or binoculars.
The ICL is selling special-purpose solar filters eclipse glasses for $2. In addition to protecting the sight you cherish, the proceeds will be used to protect “the air you breathe, the water you drink and the land you love.”
You can buy them at www.ketchumsunvalleyeclipse2017.com/shop/ or call 208-726-7485.
GETTING A JUMP ON DISASTER
Idaho’s Washington County commissioners have passed an emergency declaration in anticipation of the large number of visitors expected to invade Weiser to view the eclipse.
Weiser is considered one of the top cities in the country to view the eclipse, what with two minutes and five seconds of totality.
And town officials expect between 15,000 and 30,000 people to turn out for the viewing and an Eclipse Festival scheduled to begin Friday, Aug. 18. The festival will include mud volleyball, wine tasting, a car show, street dance, Farmer’s Market, micro beer tasting, Run to the Sun Fun Run, street carnival, BBQ competition, movie in the park, fishing tournament, a homemade pie, ice cream and lemonade social, golf tournament, concert, pancake breakfast and, of course, fiddling.
A spokesman for Washington County Disaster Services says the resolution will allow for state assistance if local agencies are overwhelmed by traffic jams, too few Porta Potties, property damage and other unimaginables.