Look Up! Americans Will Get Full View Of Total Solar Eclipse In 2017

By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins

For the first time in nearly four decades, Americans will be able to see a total solar eclipse in their own backyard come 2017.

In what will be known as the Great American Eclipse, Earth's moon is scheduled to completely cover the Sun on August 21, 2017. All across the country -- from Oregon to South Carolina -- Americans will be able to see the spectacle.

"When you look at the eclipse, you will perceive the blackest black imaginable surrounded by the Sun's ever-changing atmosphere, the corona. The quality of light is stupendous with an amazing light show of iridescence, scintillation, and delicate colors."

Only certain major cities through the middle of the continental United States will be in the "path of totality" and have the best view of the phenomenon. Those cities include Kansas City, Lincoln, St. Louis and Nashville, to name a few.

It will be the first time that people observing from the United States will get to see a total solar eclipse since 1979. Make sure you have your calendars clear, because the next one is scheduled for 2045.