What About August 21? A Limited-Time Eclipse Opportunity

Are you doing anything on August 21? If you’re not busy (or even if you are), you might consider the Great American Solar Eclipse. For many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a total solar eclipse. Think that’s not a big deal? Maybe you should read on.

Things To Consider About This Year’s Eclipse

The last good time to view a total solar eclipse in the U.S. was almost 50 years ago. We did have one back on February 26, 1979. But, it could only be seen in a limited number of areas in the Northwest. This was because “the weather for the most part was bleak,” (via Astronomy) So, really the last good time was more like 1970.

The next good time to view a total solar eclipse in the U.S. won’t be in until April of 2024. Since none of us know what the future holds, next time might not be as convenient for you or your schedule.

Solar eclipses only happen at a New Moon.

While solar eclipses happen at a New Moon, they don’t happen at every New Moon, and while solar eclipses always happen at a New Moon, lunar eclipses always happen at a Full Moon (but not every Full Moon).