The great solar eclipse of 2017

On Aug. 21, the moon's shadow will roll across the U.S. as tens of millions of Americans witness a total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse.
(Image credit: Keith J Smith. / Alamy Stock Photo)

On Aug. 21, the moon's shadow will roll across the U.S. as tens of millions of Americans witness a total solar eclipse. Here's everything you need to know:

Why do total eclipses occur?

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
Explore More