If you're ever in th path of a total solar eclipse, the skies will darken like nighttime and star will be visible during the day.

But don't worry, you won't have to get your PJs on.

A total eclipse only lasts for a few minutes.

But why does the sun disappear?

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and the earth as the moon moves in its orbit.

It will partially cover the su for over an hour until the sun is totally blocked.

That's called totality.

The sky will be dark and the sun's corona.

The gassy atmosphere will be visible.

Totality can last anywhere from 1 to 7 minutes, depending on where you are in the path.

Then the eclipse will be partia for another hour or more again as the moon continue in its orbit away from the sun.

It's rare to have a total eclipse in any one place, so seeing one can be a once in a lifetime experience.

And some people trave all over the world to catch one.

If you're going to watch an eclipse you need to protect your eyes.

The bright light of the sun can damage them even while the moon is partially in front of it.

So you have to wear something like these.

Eclipse glasse once the sun is totally covered.

It's safe to briefly remove those glasses and look up.

You may see the sun's corona but once the eclipse moves back into partiality, it's important to put your glasses back on.

If you don't have any eclipse glasses, that's okay.

Try to get near a tree and look at the ground.

The shadows of the sun passing through the leaves should make some really cool shapes.

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