solar eclipse

"We were contacted by people all over the country who said, 'We'd like to collect glasses for you, how do we become a collection center?' " says Mike Simmons, president of Astronomers Without Borders.

The eclipse will happen on July 2. Its path of totality cuts across much of the south Pacific Ocean as well as Argentina and Chile — including a telescope that is one the world's largest.

Officials blame the failure of a pen near Washington's Cypress Island on high tides caused by the eclipse, but that is being questioned. Fishing boats are scrambling to catch as many as possible.

A total solar eclipse crossed the entire country earlier today. Many Americans were treated to a rare and stunning view.

A total solar eclipse began in Oregon and made its way to South Carolina starting at 1:16 p.m. ET. Take a look at where the eclipse was as it traveled across the United States.

It was dark during the day as a total solar eclipse traveled from Oregon to South Carolina. See highlights from the phenomenon's journey along with NPR journalists and others experiencing the eclipse.

NASA was on eclipse watch as the moon blocked the sun in a celestial coincidence Monday. A segment of the country from Oregon to South Carolina was in the so-called path of totality.

And telescopes and binoculars only amplify the risk to your eyes from looking at the sun, doctors say. So even if you're not in the "path of totality," take precautions if you plan to watch.

On a sunny day, California gets up to 40 percent of its energy from solar power. Monday's total eclipse isn't just a scientific spectacle, it's a major concern for the state's power grid.

During the day on Aug. 21, large swaths of farmland will be plunged into darkness, and temperatures will drop about 10 degrees. And scientists are waiting to see what happens on the ground.

No eclipse glasses? No problem. Make your own solar viewer; (almost) no tools required.