Millions of people in North America will experience a total solar eclipse on April 8 as the moon completely blocks out the sun along a path crossing from Mexico into the United States and then Canada. This event will create a “path of totality” where the daytime sky turns dark and nocturnal animals may become confused. Observers along the path will be able to see the sun’s corona, while those outside the path will see a partial eclipse. The eclipse will begin over the South Pacific and travel through Mexico, the United States, and Canada before ending on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. It is important to watch the eclipse safely using specialized eye protection and viewers must be aware that regular sunglasses are not safe for solar viewing. The eclipse differs from an annular solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon does not completely cover the face of the sun, leaving a “ring of fire” in the sky. The size differences of the Earth, moon, and sun are what allow the moon to cover the sun’s face when viewed from Earth, and this event differs from lunar eclipses, which occur when the Earth’s shadow is cast upon the lunar surface.