The first total eclipse in North America in decades will occur next year, and some people are already considering booking hotel rooms to get the best view.
According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon crosses between the earth and the sun, blocking the light of the sun out. A partial eclipse looks as though the moon shadows part of the sun, while the maximum phase of a total eclipse appears as though the sun is blocked completely.
The last total eclipse seen in the continental United States occurred in February 1979, according to NASA’s website.
The total eclipse will occur on August 21, 2017 and will last around two minutes and 41.7 seconds. From Connecticut, viewers will only see a partial eclipse, which, according to NASA’s predictions, will be best viewed around 6:45 p.m.
The Charleston, South Carolina area will have the some of the greatest views on the east coast. According to NASA’s calculations, one of the best locations to see the total eclipse might be the Francis Marion National Forest, which also boasts a variety of outdoor activities for those who want to plan an eclipse-viewing vacation.
Those willing to travel a little further for a prime viewing spot should head to the midwest. The spot for views of the greatest eclipse, which is the instant when the Moon’s shadow cone passes closest to earth’s center, is in Kentucky. The greatest duration, the location where the total eclipse lasts longest along the path, is in southern Illinois.
It's important to remember when viewing an eclipse, never look directly into the sun with a naked eye or using devices like binoculars or telescopes. The only time it is safe to look is when the sun is completely blocked.
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For more information, check out NASA’s eclipse map or eye safety tips.
