Mark your calendars and get ready gaze up at the heavens!

In less than two weeks, the moon will completely block the sun turning day into night, in a rare astronomical wonder known as a total solar eclipse. The "Turn to Tara" team has all the details on where to watch it and how long it will last.

This extraordinary phenomenon could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as the next one in the U.S. won't happen until 2045. According to Debra Ross, co-chair of the American Astronomical Society's Solar Eclipse Task Force, 14 states, including New York, will experience the path of totality, with the best views expected in Rochester, where totality is predicted to last for 3 minutes and 38 seconds.

Even if you can't embark on a road trip to witness the eclipse firsthand, Ross assures that those in downstate areas will still get to experience the magic, with approximately 88% to 95% of the sun covered. The celestial mechanics of our solar system will be on full display, offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience.

As excitement builds, you may have noticed a flood of advertisements for special eclipse glasses containing solar filters. Charles Fulco, Valhalla Middle School science teacher and NASA JPL Solar System ambassador, emphasizes the importance of these glasses for direct viewing of the sun during the eclipse. He warns against looking at the sun without proper eye protection, except during the brief moments of totality when the sun is fully covered by the moon.

To ensure your safety and avoid missing out on this extraordinary event, Fulco advises checking for scratches or damage on eclipse glasses, and testing them indoors around a bright light. If a significant amount of light leaks through, they may not be legitimate. With these precautions in mind, eclipse chasers can eagerly anticipate experiencing one of nature's greatest spectacles.

If you're planning to take a road trip to catch the total eclipse, the Turn to Tara team would love to hear from you. Click here to get in touch.