
Getty
The 2017 solar eclipse will take place on Monday, August 21. There are several states that will be in the direct path of the eclipse. These areas are referred to as the “zone of totality” and include the following states: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon.
Various cities and towns in these states will experience periods of complete darkness during daytime hours as the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking any possible sunlight.
If you plan on viewing the eclipse on your own, there are a few tips to consider. For starters, you’ll want to be sure the weather is clear. If the skies are cloudy, you will not have a clear view of the eclipse. You also want to be prepared to relocate in case there are clouds above you during the two minutes of totality.
“Pick a location with a good and uncrowded highway system that you can use to relocate the day before, the morning of, or the hour before the eclipse if weather threatens. The total solar eclipse will be such a spectacle that you won’t regret making the effort to find a clear viewing location,” reports Great American Eclipse.
For those interested, you may also choose to attend an eclipse viewing party in your area. Below are several parties listed by state.
South Carolina
“Sip the Eclipse” Rooftop Blackout Event
South Carolina State Museum Viewing Party
For additional eclipse parties in South Carolina, click here.
North Carolina
The Great American Eclipse Celebration
Downtown Sylva Eclipse Festival
For additional eclipse parties in North Carolina, click here.
Georgia
OutASight Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Fort Yargo State Park Viewing Party
For additional eclipse parties in Georgia, click here.
Tennessee
Viewing Party at the Adventure Science Center
The Bridge Building Viewing Party
For additional eclipse parties in Tennessee, click here.
Kentucky
Solar Eclipse Party & Exhibit at the Art Guild of Paducah
For additional eclipse parties in Kentucky, click here.
Illinois
Eclipse Weekend at Rent One Park
For additional eclipse parties in Illinois, click here.
Missouri
T-Bones Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Rowe Ridge Vineyard & Winery Eclipse Viewing Party
For additional eclipse parties in Missouri, click here.
Kansas
Kansas State Alumni Association Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party
For additional eclipse parties in Kansas, click here.
Nebraska
Watch Party at University of Nebraska Kearney Cope Stadium
For additional eclipse parties in Nebraska, click here.
Wyoming
Total Solar Eclipse at Snow King Mountain
For additional eclipse parties in Wyoming, click here.
Idaho
The Great American Eclipse Party at Festival Meadows
Edge of Totality at Brundage Mountain
Eclipse Viewing Party in Sun Valley
For additional eclipse parties in Idaho, click here.
Oregon
Left Coast Cellars Viewing Party
For additional eclipse parties in Oregon, click here.