How and Where to Observe the Solar Eclipse in August
Are you doing anything on Monday, August 21st? Otherwise, you might want to plan a short vacation. On that day, there will be a total solar eclipse over the entire continental United States from Corvallis, Oregon to Columbia, South Carolina. Most of us will see at least some darkening, but only a strip of country 70 miles wide will experience a total eclipse.
You will have a front row seat in Portland, Kansas City or Nashville. Check out the detailed NASA map here to see how much of the eclipse will be visible if you go further. Here’s how much of the sun will be blocked in a few example locations:
- 90 percent or more : Seattle, Denver, Memphis, and Charlotte.
- 75 to 90 percent : Sacramento, Chicago, Minneapolis, and just about any part of Florida or Ohio.
- 50 to 75 percent : Phoenix, San Antonio, Los Angeles, New York, and New England.
You’ve got a little over two months to rethink your vacation plans (great beaches in the Carolina!) Or see if you can squeeze in on a day trip to the state with better views. However, if you’re stuck at home in Hawaii, visit NASA’s Eclipse page for more information and a live stream when the time is right.