Here is what you need to know about an eclipse:

• An eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when an astronomical object or spacecraft is temporarily obscured, by passing into the shadow of another body or by having another body pass between it and the viewer.
• There are two types of eclipses: solar and lunar. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth. This can only happen during a new moon phase. A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth is positioned between the moon and the sun and our planets shadow is cast upon the lunar surface.
• The "ring of fire" solar eclipse is a type of annular solar eclipse that occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun at a time when the moon is at or close to its farthest point from our planet. It does not completely obscure the face of the sun, unlike in a total solar eclipse.
• The eclipse is due to be visible along a path covering parts of the United States, Mexico, and several countries in Central and South America.
• The entire eclipse, from the moment the moon starts to obscure the sun until its back to normal, will last 2 1/2 to three hours at any given location.
• Looking at the eclipse directly will be unsafe and could cause permanent damage to your eyes. To safely view this solar eclipse, a solar filter is needed at all times, even when looking through a camera, telescope, or binoculars.
• Eclipses can be used to confirm theories about the universe. For example, during a solar eclipse, scientists were able to confirm Albert Einsteins theory of general relativity by observing the positions of stars around the sun.