On Aug. 21 we will see the first solar eclipse in the U.S. since 1979. Our graphic explains exactly what one is, shows its path and some how-to viewing tips. By Ramon Padilla Karl Gelles, Dann Miller, Walbert Castillo, Janet Loehrke and Sara Wise, USA TODAY NETWORK
Although there's a total solar eclipse somewhere on Earth about once every 18 months, many people never witness one. That's because so much of the Earth's surface is water.
It takes three celestial bodies — the sun, moon and Earth, all on their own orbital paths — to line up in the exact way at the right time to create an eclipse.
On average, a total eclipse is visible from any one spot on Earth about once every 375 years.
In the U.S., it takes about 1,000 years for every place in the Lower 48 to be able to view a total solar eclipse. You must be in just the right place at just the right time under just the right weather conditions to observe the event.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017A solar eclipse explained | 1:33
On Aug. 21 we will see the first solar eclipse in the U.S. since 1979. Our graphic explains exactly what one is, shows its path and some how-to viewing tips. By Ramon Padilla Karl Gelles, Dann Miller, Walbert Castillo, Janet Loehrke and Sara Wise, USA TODAY NETWORK
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017This tiny town is the best place to catch the total solar eclipse | 0:53
For the first time in 99 years, a solar eclipse will be visible in the United States. A small town in Illinois is the best place to see it. Aidan Kelley has the story. Buzz60
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017Want Solar Eclipse 2017? Win a chance to see it on Alaska Airlines | 1:41
On August 21, the United States will experience a truly rare celestial phenomenon: A total solar eclipse. Time
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017Anticipation grows in path of solar eclipse | 2:17
Hopkinsville, Kentucky, a city of about 32,000 people will have one of the longest durations of the solar eclipse on August 21. Tens of thousands of people are expected to watch the eclipse from this rural area. (June 28) AP
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017Just how popular is August's total solar eclipse going to be? | 1:19
The 2017 total solar eclipse is expected to attract millions of people to its path across the U.S. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
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Even the United States Postal Service is gearing up for the rare solar eclipse craze with a stamp that changes when you touch it. Sean Dowling (@seandowlingtv) has more. Buzz60
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017Upcoming solar eclipse to be live-streamed from thousands of feet up | 1:05
A total solar eclipse is coming on August 21, and even if you’re not astronomically blessed enough to be in its path, you won’t be left in the dark. Buzz60's Amanda Kabbabe (@kabbaber) has more. Buzz60
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017What you need to know about this summer's solar eclipse | 1:39
On August 21st, a total solar eclipse will be visible to mainland America. Find out why it is drawing giddy excitement from the public, as well as astronomy gurus. USA TODAY NETWORK
To figure out when an eclipse will occur, astronomers first work out the geometry and paths of the Earth and moon as they orbit the sun, mathematically figuring out the motions of each of the three bodies in three-dimensional space.
Astronomers then feed the current positions and speeds of the Earth, moon and sun into a computer, programming it to calculate future paths in relation to one another and what will be the view from the vantage point of us down here on Earth.
Eclipses are specific predictions of where the three bodies will be at an exact time and place. Current eclipse forecasts are accurate to less than a minute.
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