On Monday, August 21, 2017, North America will be able to witness a total eclipse of the sun.
If you're lucky enough to be in the Path of Totality, you'll be able to see what two eclipse chasers call an "emotional, startling, sensational, and life-changing" event. Eclipse chasers are known as umpraphiles, or shadow lovers.
This is the nation's first total solar eclipse since 1979 and the first to cross from the West Coast to the East Coast since 1918. NASA and the National Park Service advises travelers to stock up on water, snacks, sunscreen -- and your solar eclipse viewing glasses -- before leaving home.
Eclipse Tip: During totality, make sure to spend a few moments enjoying the 360 degree "sunset" all around you.
Here are the best U.S. cities within the eclipse's path of totality to watch the spectacular sky show:
- Salem, Oregon
Starts at 9:05 a.m. PDT and totality begins at 10:17 a.m. PDT
- Madras, Oregon
Starts at 9:06 a.m. PDT and totality begins at 10:19 a.m. PDT
- Idaho Falls, Idaho
Starts at 10:15 a.m. MDT and totality begins at 11:33 a.m. MDT
- Jackson, Wyoming
Starts at 10:16 a.m. MDT and totality begins just before 11:35 a.m. MDT,
The centerline of the total eclipse will pass over the southern part of Grand Teton National Park in the Jackson Hole valley, making it one of the best places in the country to experience the astronomical event.
- Casper, Wyoming
Starts at 10:22 a.m. MDT and totality begins at 11:42 a.m. MDT
- Lincoln, Nebraska
Starts at 11:37 a.m. CDT and totality begins at 1:02 p.m. CDT
- Jefferson City, Missouri
Starts at 11:46 a.m. CDT and totality begins at 1:13 p.m. CDT
It's an interesting fact that this eclipse path cuts right through the middle of several very large cities. Check this Maps of the Path of Totality, if you'd like to see how close your city is.
If you want to experience it from one of our nation's parks, here are several in the Path of Totality.
