A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun – known as the path of totality – will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun.

A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses (which are not the same as regular sunglasses). It is only safe to remove your eclipse glasses during what’s known as totality, the brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun.

What you can see during a total solar eclipse depends on the weather and the location from which you view it. This map shows all of Arkansas and the eclipse path to show all viewing locations.