Everything You Need to Make Last-Minute Eclipse Plans
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In case you haven't heard, there's an eclipse coming on Monday, August 21st. If you live anywhere in the continental United States, you'll be able to see at least a partial eclipse from your home, but to get the full experience you'll need to be inside a narrow path called the "path of totality," where the moon will completely block out the sun.
So if you can, you should definitely try to make a trip into that path of totality for yourself. It'll likely be the best chance you'll ever get to watch an eclipse in your lifetime. It's a little last minute but still more than possible to take in the eclipse the right way. So if you're just making plans now, he's what you should know before you hop in the car and start driving.
The first thing you'll need to decide is where to go. There are twelve states in the path of totality, and each one offers something unique. Check out our state-by-state guide to help you pick the best viewing spot.
And once you're there, you'll need some special eye equipment. Even during an eclipse, you can't just stare at the sun without hurting your eyes. You'll need to buy some eclipse glasses, or a pair of eclipse binoculars if you want to get fancy. You could also build a homemade pinhole camera to view the sun safely without spending money.
If you want to take some photos of the event, your standard camera equipment won't be enough. There's a lot of preparation you'll need to do, so be sure to check out our guide to photographing the solar eclipse.
But most importantly of all: Go out and see it if you can. Yes, it's last minute, but if you're in driving time of the totality, you can make it! Even if you can't a partial eclipse is a heck of a thing to see. While you're there though, make sure you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event. For maximum viewing pleasure, here's our list of eclipse viewing tips. But here's perhaps the most important tip of them all: relax and have fun, and just watch.
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