One of the biggest astronomical events of our lifetimes is happening on Monday, August 21: the Great American Eclipse! You've probably heard about it in the news – and you might even have plans to join us at LSC as we celebrate this special day – but do you know exactly what's going to happen?

Let us break it down for you.

First and foremost, what exactly is an eclipse and why is this one so great?

An eclipse happens as the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun as seen from our location on the surface of the Earth. When this happens, the Moon blocks the light of the Sun from reaching Earth.

On August 21, observers across the country will be able to see this eclipse. This is the first eclipse to cross the entire continental United States in almost a century, hence the name "Great American Eclipse."

There's been a lot of talk about "totality." What does that mean?

Totality is the part of a solar eclipse where the Moon entirely covers the Sun. It only occurs in a very narrow 68-mile wide strip along the eclipse path. This strip runs from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina; needless to say, hotels along the path of this strip have been sold out for months by eclipse enthusiasts.

So what will we be able to see at Liberty Science Center? And when will we be able to see it?

In the region surrounding LSC, observers will experience a partial solar eclipse with 77% of the Sun’s surface covered by the Moon. The eclipse will start at 1:23 pm, reaching maximum at 2:44 pm, and end at 4 pm.

Wait, I've heard it's dangerous to look directly at a solar eclipse.

That's correct, and at LSC, we're taking all the proper safety precautions. On the day of the eclipse, we'll be handing out eclipse shades (while supplies last) that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for filters for direct viewing of the Sun.

We will also have telescopes and sunspotters specially set up for eclipse viewing, plus a special scope with a camera and monitors for safely displaying the eclipse during its progression.

We're also sharing a live remote broadcast from Cadiz, Kentucky where the eclipse will be total.

What time are you handing out the shades?

We’ll be distributing shades, one per family/group, starting at approximately 12:30 pm. We have decided to distribute them this way to ensure families/groups are not forced to spend their day waiting in line or worried that supplies will run out before they get one. We want everyone to share this exciting experience together!

Once every family/group has gotten one pair, we can begin distributing extra glasses, while supplies last.

Got any other cool stuff going on?

You bet. A variety of space-themed crafts will be available for our younger visitors. Guests can also roll around the lawn in our giant inflatable Earth and Sun globes, as well as experience our live science demos that will include a solar eclipse model and explanation.

All eclipse activities are included in your general admission to LSC.

The only eclipse activity that's additional is our special showing of the Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon Laser Show at 4:45 pm. You can pick up your ticket for the laser show on the day of the event at the box office ($12 for adults, $10 for kids).

Learn more about The Great American Eclipse at LSC here.