The solar eclipse that swept across the nation last week attracted millions to the Path of Totality in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska and beyond. The economic impact of all those eclipse-chasers is still being tallied, but indicators suggest that the cosmic event brought in major tourism dollars.

The Nebraska Tourism Commission estimates the value of newspaper, magazine and television coverage and promotion of the state is over $133 million in publicity. Wyoming reported a record-breaking traffic jam, with more than half a million cars visiting the state. “It was definitely the biggest one-day event in Wyoming’s history,” said an Office of Tourism spokesperson. State agencies in Oregon and Idaho reported that careful traffic planning paid off, and no major crashes or injuries were reported.

A solar eclipse rallied Americans around science in 1878. Could it again? https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-06-09/solar-eclipse-rallied-americans-around-science-could-it-again

For a roundup on the eclipse, including photos of Western Governors celebrating the event, check out our blog – http://westgov.org/news/viewers-guide-to-solar-eclipse-sweeping-the-west-on-aug.-21.

– Western Governors’ Association