The United States is getting ready for a spectacular celestial event – a total solar eclipse – on Aug. 21.
While total solar eclipses occur somewhere in the world about every 18 months, it’s extremely rare for one to occur in the United States.
The last total solar eclipse visible in the United States was on Feb. 26, 1979.
If you do want to see the eclipse
Shiri Spear has lots on information in her videos about how to see the eclipse, but the bottom line is:
ISO 12312-2
(sometimes written as ISO 12312-2:2015) certified glasses. You can find that on the inside flap of the frames.
Here is some important information about the eclipse, including how to safely watch it, take photographs and the best places to observe it:
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Most accurate map of the Great American Eclipse's path of totality to date
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Do NOT use normal sunglasses to watch -- here's why
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Here are the best places to watch the incredibly rare total solar eclipse
- Solar Eclipse 2017: 7 things to know about the rare total solar eclipse
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Photographing the eclipse: The time to prepare is now
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Celestial mechanics or act of God?
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Economic boon or bust for towns in path?
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Interactive: What the eclipse will look like where you live
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Interactive: How the eclipse will look where you live (animation)
NASA has a lot of other information for the public to enjoy this rare celestial moment:
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Eclipse Across America
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Interactive eclipse map
- Solar Eclipse 2017: Frequently asked questions
- Plan an eclipse party
- Promote your eclipse party
Sky & Telescope assembled several resources for people to prepare for the event: