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An event of, well, astronomical proportions is only one year away for residents of the U.S., as the countdown begins to what could be the greatest solar eclipse of our lifetimes.

On Monday, August 21, 2017, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible across the entire continental United States. The band of the greatest totality will stretch from central Oregon across the northern Rockies, Mid-Mississippi Valley and Mid-South before exiting North America through South Carolina. However, residents from San Diego to Calais, Maine, will be able – weather-permitting – to see the majority of this eclipse.

Solar eclipses occur when the moon moves directly in front of the sun, blocking out some of the light from reaching Earth. Solar eclipses are rare, as they only occur twice a year, with total solar eclipses clocking in every 18 months or so. In fact, a solar eclipse has not graced the U.S. since 2012.

The rarity of an eclipse and the development of total eclipses are due to the moon’s inclination relative to the earth, that it orbits at a 5-degree angle to the earth. This causes the moon to bob up and down relative to the sun. A total eclipse has not graced this much of the United States since 1776, showing just how rare this is.

Also, for those lucky enough to be under the path of totality, the eclipse will provide an extra show. Only during a total eclipse is the sun’s wispy outer atmosphere, known as a corona, visible. Temperatures in the corona run 100 times hotter than the rest of the sun, and scientists use these eclipses as a chance to study the corona and learn about the sun as a whole.

If you plan to view the eclipse in a year’s time, remember to take a few precautions ahead of the event. Eye-protection filters will be necessary to view the eclipse, or prepare a pinhole camera to view the event.

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Story Image: Path of the solar eclipse (Fred Esperak, NASA)

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Epic U.S. Solar Eclipse Just One Year Away