Search Here

In a little less than two months, the much-awaited total solar eclipse will happen again after 99 years. Get to know more about details about this naturally occurring phenomenon. The last one, which happened on June 8, 1918, crossed from Washington to Florida. 

How Often Do Total Solar Eclipses Happen?

According to Phys.org total solar eclipses happen every year - sometimes two or three. Usually they don't occur somewhere specific but more of random, for example, the South Pacific or Antarctic.

What makes this one on Aug. 21 special? Well, this eclipse will reportedly cut diagonally across the entire U.S. 

What Is Expected To Happen?

Agencies like the Federal Highway Administration, NOA, NASA, and the National Park Service have all come out with guidelines on how to safely view the eclipse, as well with updated weather forecasts, crowd management, and navigating traffic and parking. "Never before will a celestial event be viewed by so many and explored from so many vantage points: from space, from the air and from the ground," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. 

Researchers will take this opportunity to look into the sun and the Earth with the use of instruments on the ground and in space. During the event, the moon will pass between the sun and the Earth, looking like it is block the sun for almost an hour and a half.

Best Places To Watch The Total Solar Eclipse

Per Fox17 News, Salem, Oregon, is one of the first locations to witness the eclipse, while Charleston will be one of the last. Cities like St. Louis, Nashiville, and Kansas are said to have a good chance of catching a glimpse of the sun being totally covered.

Are you excited to witness the "Great American Eclipse"? What are your plans for this momentous event?