'Great American Total Solar Eclipse 2017': When, Where, How To Watch The Rare Celestial Event?

While, the "Great American Total Solar Eclipse 2017" is still a year away, astronomers and space enthusiasts are already getting excited about the rare celestial event. What's exciting about the upcoming solar eclipse is that it will be the first solar eclipse in nearly four decades which will be completely visible from the United States. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes directly between the sun and the Earth, causing the moon's shadow to fall upon the Earth.

Map of Total Solar Eclipse Path in 2017 August pic.twitter.com/Sj1DhyEAdP

— World and Science (@WorldAndScience) August 21, 2016

When To Watch

According to Space.com, "the Great American Total Solar Eclipse," which will take place on August 21, 2017, will span over 70 miles (113 kilometers) of land in the US from Oregon to South Carolina. In fact, the total solar eclipse will be so grand that people from both ends of the coasts in America will be able to witness the rare phenomenon from where they are standing. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in the US was on Feb. 29, 1979.

Where To Watch

"The Great American Total Solar Eclipse" of August 2017 will begin in the northwestern United States as the shadow of the moon falls on Oregon and will head to the southeast across Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas. Surrounding cities will also be in the path of the eclipse. It is to be noted that the total eclipse will only last less than three minutes, reported Gizmodo.

How To Watch

It is well known that looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can turn out to be quite harmful for the eyes and might even result in permanent eye damage. According to BBC, the safest way to watch "the Great American Total Solar Eclipse" is by using solar eclipse glasses.

What are your plans for the Great American Total Solar Eclipse 2017? Let us know in the comments below.