Eclipse Across America: Millions witness a rare total solar eclipse
However, Southern California is not in the best position to see the total eclipse, but people can still get a partial view.
[Ads /]
Here's what you need to know:
What type of eclipse is on Monday? What is a total solar eclipse?
The eclipse Monday will be a total solar eclipse.
A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun. According to NASA, the sky will darken like it was sunrise or sunset.
"Every total solar eclipse is worth seeing because they're all different, every one is a surprise," Griffith Observatory Director Dr. Ed Krupp said. "It is the most spectacular thing that the sky does you can see with the unaided eye."
What time is the eclipse Monday? What is the path of totality for solar eclipse?
The path of totality will stretch from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Newfoundland, Canada, according to the Griffith Observatory.
NASA says the solar eclipse will begin at 11:07 a.m. PDT in Mexico and then enter the U.S. in Texas. The eclipse path will then travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas. Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
The eclipse will then enter Canada in Southern Ontario and end in Newfoundland Canada at 12:46 p.m. PDT.
Video shows path of total solar eclipse
[Ads /]
How long will the total solar eclipse last?
According to NASA, the solar eclipse totality will last about four minutes.
However, the amount of time from the beginning to the end, meaning when the moon starts its path in front of the sun to when it completely moves past the sun, depends on the location. Overall, the process could take two hours.
Related coverage: NASA's interactive map shows best times, places to watch solar eclipse
How much of the eclipse will be visible in California?
California is not in the path of the total solar eclipse. But the West Coast will see parts of the eclipse.
"If you're paying attention, you'll probably sense a little bit strangeness in the light," Krupp said. "It'll be a little off, not a lot. But, if you're able to watch it directly, you can see this operation of Newton's gravity happening right in front of your very eyes."
In the Los Angeles area, people will see 48.6% of coverage of the sun, according to NASA. The process will begin just after 10 a.m., reach the peak at 11:12 a.m. and end at 12:21 p.m.
[Ads /]
In the Bay Area, people will see 35.9% of coverage of the sun. The process will begin just before 10:15 a.m., reach the peak at 11:13 a.m. and end at 12: 16 p.m.
What happens if you look directly at a solar eclipse?
Looking directly at a solar eclipse without protective gear can lead to "eclipse blindness," or retinal burns. The exposure to direct sunlight can damage cells in the retina, which sends signals of what you see to the brain, according to Prevent Blindness. The damage can be temporary or permanent -- and it happens with no pain. It can also take a few hours or days to notice any damage.
The only time you can look directly at the eclipse is when the moon completely covers the sun.
Related coverage: How to take photos of the solar eclipse
How can I safely watch the eclipse?
It is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing.
Even looking at the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a solar filter will instantly cause severe eye injury, according to NASA.
Regular sunglasses are also not safe for solar viewing.
The only safe way to view the sun is with solar viewers, which are thousands of times darker than sunglasses and comply with the ISO 12312-2. You can find a list of safe solar viewers here.
Related coverage:
- How to make a pinhole projector to safely view an image of the solar eclipse
- Everything you need to enjoy the eclipse safely including solar glasses and more
- How to tell if your eclipse glasses are real or fake