Photo by: HypnoArt via Pixabay

The first complete solar eclipse able to be seen across the United States since June 8, 1918 is happening on August 21, covering the “path of totality” -- a 70-mile-wide ribbon where the moon will completely cover the sun. This path of totality stretches from Oregon to South Carolina.

The path of totality will cast total darkness over 14 states. While similar eclipses repeat in cycles, the lower 48 states haven't seen a total solar eclipse that's gone coast-to-coast since 1918.

This year, technology will play a bigger role than it ever has with this event.  

Carrie Black, a program director in NSF's Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences says "This total solar eclipse across the United States is a unique opportunity in modern times, enabling the entire country to be engaged through modern technology and social media." She further explained, "Images and data from as many as millions of people will be collected and analyzed by scientists for years to come."

Madhulika Guhathakurta, NASA lead scientist for the 2017 Eclipse said, "This is going to be the most documented, the most appreciated, eclipse ever... This is a generational event."

 There are gadgets that can help you prepare for the big event.  

Space.com has partnered with Simulation Circulation to create the Eclipse Safari app just in time for the August 21 eclipse.  Simulation Circulation is also the creator of SkySafari, an astronomy and sky watching app.  Both of these free apps can be located on Google Play and the Apple Store.

The Eclipse Safari app will “help you make the most of this sky watching opportunity by letting you know exactly when the eclipse will start in your location, how long it will last and when it will end” regardless of the viewer’s location," a Space.com spokesperson said. In addition, Space.com says the app “regularly updates with a list of eclipse articles from Space.com and from around the web.”

Every 18 months or so, a total solar eclipse can be seen from someplace on earth.  Total eclipses in the US don’t happen very often, while this particular eclipse may be conveniently viewed by a lot of people. Nearly 12 million Americans live in the “path of totality,” and approximately 220 million are fairly close, within 500 miles.

Total darkness will last for about two and a half minutes for those in the path, while others on the outskirts will get about 80- to 90-percent darkness.  

Viewers should remember not to look directly at the sun without proper protection.

The much-needed eye protection can be purchased at your local Lowe’s Hardware, and several businesses like gas stations and convenience stores along the path of totality are selling the cardboard framed eclipse viewing glasses, which are similar to 3D movie glasses.  A pair should cost you about $2  

According to the Washington Post, which is publishing a weather chart forecasting the viewing circumstances throughout the country on the 21st, the skies will be mostly clear except for some showers in the Midwest region.

Eclipse Safari users can use their app in tandem with the Washington Post for the most informed way to stake out the eclipse.