Eclipse Offers Economic Boost Potential to Wyoming Tourism

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — State tourism officials say the solar eclipse passing over the entire length of Wyoming in August could give the state economy a much needed boost.

Casper, Riverton and Jackson are among the places where the eclipse will last the longest. The expected ideal viewing conditions in Wyoming is attracting astronomers and others from around the world.

State officials estimate about 350,000 people could visit Wyoming just to watch the first total solar eclipse to be seen from the mainland U.S. in almost four decades.

State tourism director Diane Shober says it's a great opportunity for Wyoming and communities all along the eclipse path to impress visitors about the state's attractions. She says those visitors will spend money, which helps a state economy struggling to recover from the energy downturn.