A total solar eclipse may grace our skies in 2017, something that hasn't happened since 1979. The solar eclipse will darken the United States for about 2 and a half minutes as the moon blocks the sunlight streaming through the atmosphere.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the sun and Earth and casts the darkest part of its shadow, known as its umbra, on Earth. The darkest part of a total solar eclipse is almost as dark as night. Most of the world usually only encounters a partial solar eclipse, depending on when and where the eclipse takes place.
For example, a total solar eclipse will actually take place on March 9, 2016. However, the entire eclipse will only be visible in the middle of the ocean. Other regions, such as India, will be able to view a partial solar eclipse on that date.
What's more exciting, though, is the total solar eclipse that's scheduled to darken the skies of the United States on Aug. 21, 2017, NASA reports. The path of the moon's umbral shadow will begin in the northern Pacific and cross the USA from west to east through parts of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina. In other states, people should be able to view a partial eclipse.
Of course, there are other eclipses that will occur between now and then. There will be a penumbral lunar eclipse on March 23, 2016. Most of the United States will be able to see the eclipse at moonset, and the western half of the United States should be able to see most of the eclipse. There will also be an annular solar eclipse on Sept. 1, 2016 and a penumbral lunar eclipse on Sept. 16 2016, though neither of these will be visible in the United States.
The most spectacular eclipse will occur next year and, weather permitting it should be quite a sight to see. The moon passing in front of the sun will create a ring within a darkened sky. With that said, it's important to remember that you should never directly look at a solar eclipse. Instead, use a binocular projection while keeping your back to the sun or use specialized protective eye gear.
