Don’t look at the sun! Because on Monday, April 8, 2024, our Moon moves directly in front of the sun, causing a total solar eclipse. The disk of the Moon will block the sun from view, turning day into night. What is a solar eclipse, and what is the best place and time for you to get the best view of this once-in-a-lifetime event? Here is what you need to know.

Once the moon completely covers the sun in full totality, it is safe to take off your glasses because total eclipse has arrived! The sky will get as dark as night and the temperature will begin to drop. You will see the blackest black where the Moon is, surrounded by wispy white string of light from the sun’s outer atmosphere. The total eclipse path will begin in Mexico, but will slowly move up north, reaching Texas at around 1:30pm local time. The lunar wonder will pass through 15 states, proceeding through the northeast until concluding for most viewers off the coast of Canada, totaling 9,190 miles. Cities across the United States, including Dallas, Indianapolis, Buffalo and Cleveland will most likely be hot spots for the upcoming eclipse.

Some of your favorite snack brands are releasing solar eclipse themed versions of their star products. Delta (DAL) is flying a plane from Texas to Detroit on a path specifically designed to follow the total eclipse path. Share a large pizza with friends for only $12 with Pizza Hut's Total Eclipse of the Hut campaign. Sun Chips is releasing a one day lunar eclipse theme flavor. Krispy Kreme (DNUT) and Oreo unite for a decadent Total Eclipse-style doughnut. If you are snacking during the total solar eclipse, then know that, according to Time Magazine, you are one of those helping inject $1.5 billion into your local economy.

Editor's note: This article was written by Noah Chadwick

Video Transcript

- Don't look up-- at least not without the proper attire. Eclipse mania has swept the US. Which businesses are looking to cash in? What is a solar eclipse? And what is the best place and time for you to get the best view of the astronomical event? Here is what you need to know.

A total solar eclipse is when our moon moves directly between the Sun and the Earth. In cosmic terms, the moon is about 400 times smaller than the sun, but it is about 400 times closer to us. When these two celestial bodies are aligned, they give the illusion of being of equal size.

Now, the sky will get as dark as night, and the temperature will drop. The total eclipse path will begin in Mexico, but will slowly move up north, touching down in Texas at around 1:30 PM local time.