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Solar eclipse 2017: everything you need to know about the celestial phenomenon

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On August 21st, a total solar eclipse will travel across the United States from coast to coast — and it’s going to be perhaps the biggest celestial event of the decade. A total solar eclipse, caused by the Moon passing directly between the Sun and the Earth, hasn’t crossed the US like this since 1918. People are flocking to cities along the eclipse’s path, where they’ll be able to see the Moon completely cover up the disc of the Sun. Those in the US who aren’t along the path will still be in for quite a show: every state in the lower 48 will see the majority of the Sun covered up on the 21st.

Here are tips on how to view the eclipse, as well as information about the science, events, and more surrounding this phenomenon.