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Total solar eclipse 1st in 99 years to sweep width of US
Excitement growing in path of astronomical event
W eclipse
This June 7 photo shows a sign showcasing a upcoming solar eclipse in Hopkinsville, Ky. For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the United States on Aug. 21. - photo by Associated Press
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — This August, the U.S. will experience its first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in 99 years.Total solar eclipses occur every year or two or three, often in the middle of nowhere like the South Pacific or Antarctic. What makes this one so special — at least for Americans — is that it will cut diagonally across the entire United States.The path of totality on Aug. 21 — where day briefly becomes night — will pass over Oregon, continuing through the heartland all the way to Charleston, South Carolina. Those on the outskirts — all the way into Canada, Central America and even the upper part of South America — will be treated to a partial eclipse.The last time a total solar eclipse swept the whole width of the U.S. was in 1918.No tickets are required for this Monday matinee, just special eclipse glasses so you don't ruin your eyes.Here are some eclipse tidbits as you get ready to feast your protected eyes on perhaps the greatest of all cosmic spectacles.WHAT'S A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE?When the moon passes between Earth and the sun, and scores a bull's eye by completely blotting out the sunlight, that's a total solar eclipse.
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