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Definitive guide for the 2017 solar eclipse in Colorado

Posted at 4:52 PM, Aug 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-21 14:49:08-04

DENVER — Hundreds of thousands will take to Colorado roads to drive to Nebraska and Wyoming to see the solar eclipse in the path of totality, but millions will remain in Colorado.

In the Denver metro area, the eclipse will begin at 10:23 a.m., breaking into its peak at 11:47 a.m. and ending at 1:14 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21.

WATCH | See every minute of the eclipse LIVE

MORE | Tap here to see a forecast of the eclipse.

 

PHOTOS: See photos of today's solar eclipse

The hours-long event is expected to draw onlookers across the state, but don't expect to see a total solar eclipse unless you head north or northeast. Denver will see 92.3 percent totality, with parts of Colorado experiencing more or less depending on distance from the path of totality. 

MORE | Learn the best and worst places across Colorado to see the eclipse.

In order to view the eclipse, onlookers are should always wear No. 16 welding glasses, solar eclipse viewing glasses or a utilize pinhole projector. Experts tell Denver7 vision loss is inevitable unless precautions are taken.

MORE | Tap here to learn the last refuges of those seeking free solar eclipse glasses.

Outside of the state, lodging quickly filled up, leading to strife for many, although some benevolent people offered low-priced options up to the last minute. 

The flurry of people seeking to see the once-in-a-lifetime experience are expected to cause havoc on Colorado roads, especially I-25 near Fort Collins, where about 600,000 people are expected to cross into Wyoming.

Colorado was warned to brace itself for traffic jams, cell tower outages and possible wildfires due to motorists who park on dry grass and those who improperly discard cigarettes.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about free apps that will help you make the most of the total solar eclipse

Check out these five crazy facts you didn't previously know about the total eclipse. 

Four planets will be visible during the eclipse. Learn how to spot them here. 

People believe bizarre myths about the eclipse. Learn 7 of the craziest myths here. 

Fact vs. Fiction: Learn the five things you should know before you watch the eclipse.

MORE:

See all of Denver7's eclipse coverage, along with live streaming on the day of, here.