A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon appears to cover the sun completely in the sky, eventually reaching total darkness for a short time, depending on the location. On August 21 of this year, the path of totality is amount 70 miles wide, stretching from Oregon to South Carolina. States that will receive most optimal viewing include Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Areas not in the totality path will only see a partial solar eclipse. The longest duration of totality will be in Giant City State Park near Carbondale, Illinois — for 2 minutes and 41.6 seconds.

So why should you care?

1. The last total solar eclipse with such great visibility in the United States was in 1979. The next total solar eclipse will be in 2019 and will visible primarily from South America. The next total solar eclipse visible from a large portion of the United States will be in 2024, then not again until 2045.
2. Worldwide, total solar eclipses are common, but the path of totality often lands in less travelled areas, such as the Sahara Desert or the ocean. It is uncommon for the path of totality to reach a wide range of cities and allow for multiple viewing points.
3. For those of you still in school (like me), you might get the day off if you’re positioned close to the path of totality. And if you don’t have the day off, take it. Take your kids out of school for the day, take yourself out of school or work for the day and watch it.
4. Even if you have to drive, the view will be worth it. You will experience darkness in the middle of the day for about 2 minutes, depending on where you are. Even the animals will know something is up. And you might not have such easy access to see one again in your lifetime.

Anyone who plans to view this eclipse should buy a pair of solar viewing glasses so you do not damage your eyes. These will make it possible to look at the sun before and after totality. When the sun is in complete totality, it is safe to look directly at the sun and is recommended for the best view. But only when the sun is in totality is it acceptable to view the sun without protection.

NASA has also predicted that this day could possibly be one of the worst traffic days in national history. Only about 12 million Americans live within the path of totality, and it is estimated that 25 million live within a day’s drive of the path. So, plan for extra travel time if you are going to drive to see it. Most likely, hotel rooms within the totality path will be booked as well, so plan accordingly.

There are many informational sites regarding the total solar eclipse of 2017, which can offer optimal viewing sites and organized eclipse events. Even if you are not usually interested in astronomy, be interested for one day — August 21, 2017. If it is easy for you to see it, or for you to drive to see it, do it. You will regret it if you don’t go.