First Full Solar Eclipse Visible to North America in Over 30 Years

You still have a while to wait.

This week, two years from now will be the Great American Eclipse. On August 21, 2017 a full solar eclipse will roll across North America. The last time a full eclipse occurred over North America was in 1979. For those that suck at math that's 36 years! That means when it does happen it will have been a 38 year wait. Check out my math skills!

The path of totality or 'shadow' will sweep only over the United States. No other country on Earth will be able to see the spacey event, hence the name. Back in 79' the umbra passed over only five states, in cloudy weather.

NASA has been able to map the path of totality on its website. Unfortunately for us in Maine, southern states will get the best view. An umbra can stretch for thousands of miles, and is usually no more than about 167 miles wide.