Solar Eclipse 2017: NASA, What You’ll See, Fun Facts, & What’s The Big Deal! [VIDEO]

On Monday, August 21, 2017, over 500 million people will be treated to a sight that hasn't been visible to residents of our planet since 1979: a total solar eclipse. NASA has provided extensive, easy-to-read information about the event, and their scientists are providing interactive maps and viewing links on their website. As you see in the video, the total solar eclipse only happens, on average, once every 400 years. Wow!

While many of that half a billion people won't see this phenomenon in totality, thanks to modern technology, we can see it from virtually any city via the internet from cameras set up across North America by EarthCam.

The eclipse is expected to take place between noon and 3PM. Here in Louisiana, we can expect about 80% of the sun to be blocked when the moon passes between it and Earth, but it depends on exactly where you live. If you want to find out exactly how much of the sun will "disappear" during the eclipse from where you are, click on the button below and enter your zip code.

Animals have been know to do strange things during a total solar eclipse because they believe night is falling. It could last for more than two minutes in the middle part of the country. As a matter of fact, 12 states could experience total darkness in the middle of the day!

Make sure you don't look directly at the sun! Even though part of it is "going away," it's still not safe to stare at.