Children in Argentina, Chile, and Peru will witness a total solar eclipse today, thanks in part to Wyoming residents who recycled protective glasses from the Great American Total Solar Eclipse in 2017.

Thousands flocked to the Cowboy State to see the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. After the event, WYDOT partnered with Astronomers Without Borders to send glasses to South America for the next eclipse. Over 1,000 collection stations were set up across the country, including drop-off locations in Casper, Cheyenne, Jackson, Riverton, and Wheatland.

It's unknown exactly how many recycled glasses were collected in Wyoming, but an AWB press release estimates over 50,000 glasses were distributed in South America and South Africa. After today's event, the organization will attempt to recycle those glasses for two upcoming solar eclipses, one which will be visible across Asia in December, and another eclipse which will be visible in South America next summer.

 

 

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