New Scientist | Aug 18, 2017 | Great American Eclipse: Everything you need to know to get ready | .. The last eclipse seen in the US was in 1979 .. |

The last eclipse seen in the US was in 1979
Henry Groskinsky/Getty

On 21 August, the continental US will see its first total solar eclipse since 1979. The moon will pass between Earth and the sun at just the right time and in just the right place to cast a shadow that will sweep across the nation. In preparation, New Scientist is here with everything you need to know about the Great American Eclipse.

Where do I need to be to see the eclipse?
To see the moon completely block out the sun, you’ll need to be within the 110-kilometre-wide strip that the moon’s shadow will cut across the US, beginning in Oregon and travelling eastwards through to South Carolina. Even in those areas, totality – the total blocking of the sun – will only be visible for 2 to 3 minutes before the moon moves on.

If you’re not within the path of totality, you can still see a partial eclipse. The entire US, Canada and Central America will be able to see the moon seem to take a bite out of the sun. Even north-western Europe will get a glimpse in the late afternoon.

READ MORE: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2144461-great-american-eclipse-everything-you-need-to-know-to-get-ready