A solar eclipse is coming August — Here's how to make the most of it

A rare solar eclipse is happening across the US on August 21. It will be the first time since 1918 that a solar eclipse has crossed the country from coast-to-coast. Here are three ways you can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

You can learn more fascinating ways to enjoy science at this year's 10th annual World Science Festival in NYC taking place from May 30-June 4. Following is a transcript of the video.

We do have this wonderful opportunity in August. Actually, August 21st is the date when there's going to be a total solar eclipse across the United States.

That's kind of rare. Often times, these eclipses don't happen over populated areas. You have to go in the middle of the ocean or someplace far away, but we have a real opportunity to experience one of the great wonders of nature.

There are fun things that you might want to do during a solar eclipse. You can actually — if you're very ambitious, set up your own version of the measurement of the deflection of starlight by the sun, which was carried out during the solar eclipse of 1919 to confirm the general theory of relativity.

Using relatively inexpensive off-the-shelf equipment augmented a little bit, you could actually carry out a version of that experiment and probably get answers that are more accurate than the ones that were obtained back in 1919.

You know another thing that you can do — a little less ambitious — is you could time the duration of the solar eclipse, and compare to predictions. Right, that's what science is all about, you make predictions, you do a measurement and compare the two. Citizens can actually do that.

Now if you ask me what you should really be doing during the solar eclipse? Just take it in, it is one of the most amazing experiences, that's what I've taught. I’ve never experienced one, I’ve read about people — It's a transcendent experience. Just go out and experience one of the great wonders of the universe.

[Scaevola]

I can imagine the headlines right now
thousands blind after looking directly at solar eclipse

[Mr.Elliott]

I remember reading about this when i was in 5th grade reading about the this solar eclipse looking forward to it happening. That was 8 years ago and im excited for this

[amandastevens]

You can try to infiltrate the fire nation.

[sownheard]

I can make a solar eclipses in my house just by turning of the lights​

[NickfxOnPC]

"just take it in" - that's what she said

[mymyrrah]

I can't stare directly at the solar eclipse? I'LL DO WHATEVER I FRICKIN WANT!

[scooter]

when it happen in indonesia, i use my scrap xray paper and fold it and use the darkest area so i can observe directly, it was an amazing experience.. my future grandsons may never seen this in their lifetime!

[PutrajayaVT]

the last time i saw a solar echlipse was at 9th of may 2016, IT WAS GREAT

[alanacarroll]

Omg I remember 4 years ago in grade 4, hearing that there would be a solar eclipse on August 21 ... MY BIRTHDAY best. Gift. Ever. 😃❤️

[KristenPellegrini]

I am so excited for this!!! August 21st is my birthday!!! I heard about this like 10 years ago and have been waiting for this since!

[Janet-nqkx]

I cant believe i need to go to school and miss the solar eclipes and miss this great oppurtunity 😢😭

[alastryona]

I live in Florida and tbh it'll probably be raining or at least cloudy that day.

[camrynsophia]

so before im even 16 im going to have seen a blue moon, a lunar eclipse AND and solar eclipse?!?! man i love space so much, this is a dream come true

[gud_soup]

i am travelling from the UK to the US just for this reason, I AM SO EXCITED!
any recommended places in Nashville and New York?

[haditm]

how2make solar eclipse viewing contraption

[ParanoidX]

TechInsider always has the best music to make the video more emotional I swear

[InsaneFirebat]

Thanks for the heads up. Don't want to miss that!

[guy]

Oh wow it's on my birthday a great gift from the universe😁

[jbflaco]

I love how I pretend that I understand...

[NatureShy]

I'll be going hiking on that day during the eclipse. I'm hoping to catch and photograph it above Mount Jefferson in Oregon.
While most people will be stuck in traffic viewing it from the city, I'll be seeing it from the mountains/nature in peace! Gonna hike in and camp the day before.