There is a total solar eclipse on Monday

Getting the Most Out of Your Eyes: How to Smell a Total Eclipse in the U.S. When You Get There, It’s Dark

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year’s total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here’s what you need to know to safely enjoy!

As NPR’s Neil Greenfieldboyce explains, “During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically. The temperature drops. People come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. The sun’s atmosphere is around a white ring in the sky, while a black void is in the sky.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you’re going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection (traditional sunglasses don’t count!) It can have an impact on your eyes.

If you don’t have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house (like some of us did back in 2017!) Here, you’ll find more on that.

In Indiana. Bloomington and Indianapolis can see the eclipse in prime time because the state will be within the path of totality.

The state of Ohio. The path of totality will cause a section of the state to go dark for a few minutes on Monday.

One of the best places to view totality is in the northwest section of the state, which has excellent views of the lakeside in Erie. WESA has more from across the region.

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you’re planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

The Road Towards The Moon: How Do You Plan to Make the Journey to Indiana for the 2019 Eclipse? An Empirical Comment by L.L. Upchurch

You may want to reach for your cell phone to document the eclipse and moments of totality, but be sure to do so safely.

Or if you’re not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Linda Neal reising has been named the official poet of Indiana for this year’s eclipse.

As David Baron explained to Life Kit, viewing the totality was like leaving the solar system and looking back. So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

If you can’t see it in real time, you’ll be able to see the highlights here from across the NPR Network. NPR’s Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

It’s possible millions of Americans will go on the road to see a better view on April 8. If you’re still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here’s what to consider.

Once you figure out where you’re going to watch the eclipse, and you’ve got your supplies, try to get there early. Although traffic will be heavier on eclipse day, it is possible to reach many destinations without too much hassle.

Despite studying how traveling could affect him, Upchurch still plans to watch the eclipse from Texas.

Leaving is definitely going to be more of a problem, he says. As the eclipse concludes, people will take to the roads all at once to try and get home as fast as they can. In 2017, that led to traffic jams that lasted many hours in some areas. If possible, Upchurch says, people should stay put for a while to try and avoid the worst of the post-eclipse rush, which in 2017 stretched even into the following day in some parts of the country.

Given all that, Upchurch says it’s important to make sure you’re taking what you need into the path of totality. You should make sure your car is gassed or charged up, and that you have plenty of snacks and water with you in case you get stranded for a while, especially when trying to leave.

Also don’t forget to bring eclipse glasses, which must be worn anytime you’re looking at the sun, except for the few minutes when it is completely blocked by the moon.

Planning a Trip to the Center Line: Finding a Map or Road Atlas Using Cellular Network Experimentations and Local Planned Routes

Some state emergency planners also recommend bringing a paper map or road atlas in case cellular networks become overloaded with visitors seeking directions from their phones.

“If you’re within forty miles of the center line, you will have two-and-a-half minutes or more of totality”, Upchurch says. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the trip.