Observing a Partial Eclipse across the U.S. During the 2018 General Relative Low-Energy Super Eclipse

Even if you’re not in the path of the eclipse, you should still be able to see something because a partial eclipse will be visible across the United States.

Check the weather forecast, but also the cloud cover forecast. Windy.com will give you a prediction on cloud cover, which will allow you to figure out if you will actually be able to see the eclipse.

As NPR’s Neil Greenfieldboyce explains, “During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically. The temperature drops. Stars walk out. There are beautiful colors around the horizon. The sun becomes a black void in the sky, surrounded by a glowing corona which is the sun’s atmosphere.

A partial eclipse is still a fun experience. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

As NPR’s Scott Neuman explains, “For starters, you’ll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse.”

If you don’t have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house (like some of us did back in 2017!) Here is more on that.

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year’s path of totality, plunging a number of the state’s most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

There are great views from the lakeside in Erie that make it a great spot for viewing totality in Pennsylvania. There is more from across the region.

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you’re planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

What to do if you are unable to get out and see the eclipse in Indiana or how to make it in the day before April 8

If you are going to take a picture of the eclipse, make sure to use a safe place and don’t try to take a photo while it is still dark.

If you don’t like to capture the moment visually, then you can use other forms of creative expression. Linda Neal Reising, the official poet in Indiana, will be speaking during the eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit, viewing totality “[is] like you’ve left the solar system and are looking back from some other world.” Focus on being in the moment when you can enjoy the spectacle.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you’re unable to get out and see it in real time. Emily Alfin Johnson compiled the resources.

Millions of Americans will travel to see a better view on April 8. Here are the things you might consider if you decide not to make the journey.

It’s a good idea to scout out one or more locations within driving distance, so that you have some flexibility if traffic or weather is threatening your plans, says Jonathan Upchurch, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at Arizona State University who has studied travel around solar eclipses.

He is still looking forward to watching the eclipse in Texas in spite of studying the possible hassles of traveling.

5 million people took to the roads during the last total solar eclipse in 2017, and those numbers will be much higher this year.

Planning a trip to the center of the state for a full solar eclipse: Is it worth taking what you need? A State Emergency Planner advises planning an evacuation plan

Given all that, Upchurch says it’s important to make sure you’re taking what you need into the path of totality. You should make sure your car is gassed or charged up and that you have plenty of water and snacks with you when you’re stuck and unable to leave.

When there is a partial eclipse, you should take eclipse glasses with you, they must be worn to look at the sun during the time when it is completely obscured by the moon.

Some state emergency planners also recommend bringing a paper map or road atlas in case cellular networks become overloaded with visitors seeking directions from their phones.

“If you’re within about 40 miles of the center line, you’ll have two-and-a-half minutes or more” of complete totality, Upchurch says. You have to make a decision whether it is worth it to go to a more central location.