Get Ready for the Spectacular Total Solar Eclipse

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Today is the big day! After almost seven years of anticipation, get ready to witness a breathtaking total solar eclipse in the skies above the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Approximately 32 million people in the US are in the path of totality, where the moon will completely cover the sun for a short time.

The eclipse will start in the South Pacific Ocean and move across North America. The first location to experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at 11:07 a.m. PT (2:07 p.m. ET), and it will end on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland at 5:16 p.m. local time (3:46 p.m. ET). You can use our map to see how the eclipse will look and when it will be visible in your area.

Those positioned directly in the middle of the eclipse's path will experience a total eclipse lasting around 3 ½ to 4 minutes, as stated by NASA.

In the United States, people in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine will have the opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse. However, there is a possibility of weather conditions interfering with the viewing experience for some individuals.

A partial solar eclipse, where the moon appears to take a crescent-shaped “bite” out of the sun, will be visible for those outside the path of totality.

Mark your calendars: eclipse

Make sure to mark your calendars to follow CNN’s live coverage if you’re in the path of totality or nowhere near Monday’s solar eclipse. You can tune in through Outlook, Google, Apple iCal, or Office365.

Remember to always wear certified eclipse glasses or a solar viewer when watching the skies during an eclipse. It is not safe to view any phase of an eclipse without proper eye protection, except for when the moon completely blocks the sun’s light. Regular sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes. Looking at the sun without the dark filter of eclipse glasses or solar viewers can lead to permanent eye damage called solar retinopathy. This condition may improve or worsen over time, but unfortunately, there is no treatment available.

Concerned about the authenticity of your eclipse glasses? Don't fret! There's a simple way to check if they are counterfeit. If you discover that your eclipse glasses are not safe, or if you are concerned about children taking them off during the event, you can easily create a pinhole projector to safely view the eclipse. Get ready to enjoy those special eclipse moments!

While watching totality is often seen as the most thrilling part of a total solar eclipse, there are other unique phases to look out for before that exciting moment arrives.

Before the much-anticipated eclipse takes place, the longest phase to observe is the partial eclipse. This phase occurs as the moon gradually moves in front of the sun and can last anywhere from 70 to 80 minutes.

When the skies start to darken and turn an eerie gray color, about 15 to 20 minutes before totality, it will be a great cue for spectators.

Just before the sun's light completely disappears from view, several phases happen in quick succession.

Baily's beads is a brief phase of the eclipse that occurs just before totality.

Baily's beads is a brief phase of the eclipse that occurs just before totality.

Watch as drops of sunlight shine around the moon, creating Baily’s beads. These drops will eventually merge together to form a sparkling “diamond ring” effect. After a minute or so, the moon will completely cover the sun, leaving only a white halo of light during totality.

The bright glow we see during a solar eclipse actually comes from the sun's corona, its hot outer atmosphere. This faint light is only visible when the sun's super bright surface is blocked.

Astronomers are excited to study the corona using various experiments, such as high-altitude research planes. They hope to gain a better understanding of the fine structures within the corona and why it is millions of degrees hotter than the sun's surface.

During a solar eclipse, while the main event is totality, you may also see a few dots of light in the sky near the eclipse. These could belong to planets like Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and even the faint light from Saturn.

Look for dots of light representing visible planets in the sky during the eclipse.

Look for dots of light representing visible planets in the sky during the eclipse.

Astronomers suggest that even though the horned “devil comet,” also known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, may be too faint to be visible without a telescope or binoculars, the eclipse on Monday is still the main event to watch.

During a total eclipse, daytime animals may go quiet while nocturnal creatures like crickets start chirping and moving around. Scientists are interested in studying why animals act differently during these short periods of eclipses, and the public can join in on some of the research happening on Monday.

You can also anticipate a temporary drop in the local temperature during the brief moments of totality.

After the diamond ring effect and Baily's beads, a partial eclipse will be visible as the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth returns to normal. This phenomenon is known as syzygy.

So, when can we expect the next eclipse to occur?

After the total solar eclipse is over, there will be some time before the next one can be seen in the United States.

In Alaska, residents will have the opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse on March 30, 2033. Additionally, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across most parts of the US during this event.

A total solar eclipse won’t be visible again from the contiguous US until August 22, 2044. However, totality will only occur over North Dakota and Montana, along with northern Canada.

The next total solar eclipse with a coast-to-coast path spanning the Lower 48 states will happen on August 12, 2045. The path of totality will stretch over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. A partial eclipse will be visible across other states.

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Editor's P/S:

The upcoming total solar eclipse is an awe-inspiring cosmic event that promises to captivate millions across North America. Witnessing the moon completely obscuring the sun's blinding light will be a breathtaking experience, offering a rare glimpse into the celestial mechanics that govern our universe. It is an opportunity to marvel at the intricate dance between the sun, moon, and Earth, and to appreciate the fragility and beauty of our planet.

The article provides valuable information on the eclipse's timing, visibility, and safety precautions. It highlights the importance of using certified eclipse glasses to protect our eyes from the sun's harmful rays. It also discusses the various phases of the eclipse, including the partial eclipse, Baily's beads, and the diamond ring effect, which occur as the moon gradually covers and uncovers the sun. By understanding these phases, we can fully appreciate the spectacle that awaits us on Monday.