The "Big Eclipse" is coming for the first time in over 26 years! Mark the date, folks! August 21st, 2017 is when parts of the United States will be treated to a total solar eclipse.

According to Space.com, daylight will give way to twilight and streams of light will slash through the sky around the shape of the moon.

Skies will turn dark from the eclipse from South Carolina to Oregon on August 21st. The eclipse will  make its way through the following states: North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon.

Times will vary on when the  eclipse will start. The moon will cover the sun and the full effect of the eclipse should last for 2 minutes and 40 seconds.

If you're thinking about doing a road trip to check out this once in a lifetime experience, keep in mind you'll need a pair of protective sunglasses for you, and most importantly your kids. Looking directly into an eclipse without the shades, could cause serious eye damage.

Also, millions of people will be on vacation at this time making total eclipse plans. You can expect lots of people in prime viewing areas.

Here in the Garden State, we will only be treated to a partial eclipse as only 73% percent of the sun will be covered. The partial eclipse gets underway at 1:22 PM and we'll see the maximum effect around 2:44 PM. Let's hope for nice weather with no clouds!

Check out exactly when and what you will see based on where you are in New Jersey:

FYI: The next total solar eclipse takes place over the skies of Texas and Mexico in 2024 and will be visible over parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee,  Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma.n 2024.


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