The solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Here’s everything you need to know

Ever seen the stars shining brightly in the middle of the afternoon?

On Aug. 21, when a total solar eclipse blots out the sun, that incredible sight will be seen by thousands of people in the Kansas City region and across the U.S. For many, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the moon pass in front of the sun.

From a well-timed wedding to historical significance to important details like the path of totality and special events, here’s everything you need to know about the eclipse before the spectacle arrives.

 

Those map’s of eclipse’s path? ‘Wrong,’ experts say -- off by up to a half-mile at edge

"This is an issue. This is really an issue, but it’s not advertised."

 

Astronomer shares pro tip for finding the best place to watch the eclipse

"Sudden darkness of totality is something a lot of people can’t compare to anything else."

 

Eclipse scramble begins: Where can you get solar eclipse glasses?

Many stores are sold out of solar eclipse glasses.

 

100 names for babies born or conceived during solar eclipse

Corona? Penumbra? Luna? Celestia? Sol?

 

Gone in 60 seconds? Where you stand will determine length of your solar eclipse

The big event may only last for a few seconds if you're on the edge of totality.

 

Will the total eclipse be a total bust? Latest forecast for the area shaping up

“We have a pessimistic outlook with respect for Monday’s eclipse."

 

Worried about eclipse traffic? Here’s how to check in real time

With upwards of 1 million out-of-state sky watchers expected in Missouri by Monday, traffic could easily become a major issue.

 

Brookside toy store slammed by last-minute buyers of eclipse glasses

“That’s the longest line I’ve ever seen in my life."

 

You can eat or wear these KC solar eclipse specials

Celebrate Monday’s eclipse with these local apparel, food and drink offerings.

 

‘Call it a snow day’: Schools, businesses shut for Royals parade, why not for eclipse?

First time in 200 years a total solar eclipse, yet schools and businesses remain open?

 

A million out-of-state travelers expected to pack Missouri roads for solar eclipse

"Traffic will be very dense."

 

Conspiracy theorists use the bible to claim the eclipse is a sign of the apocalypse

"I think some people want the world to end because then they’re proven right."

 

Good news for eclipse viewers in Kansas City: Forecast is now ‘mostly sunny’

Could clouds obscure a potentially once-in-a-lifetime view? Maybe.

 

Why the mania over August’s solar eclipse? There hasn’t been one like it for centuries

This summer's eclipse is the first of its kind since 1257, centuries before Copernicus posited that the Earth was not at the center of the universe.

 

The mega list of solar eclipse events in Kansas City area

The once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse is days away. Make plans now.

 

Eclipse warning to Lee’s Summit, Olathe, etc.: Your 99% view could be a total bummer

“A partial eclipse is nothing compared to a total eclipse. You miss out on everything.”

 

Dream wedding for this KC bride? Under the fiery corona of the solar eclipse

"The universe is going to be celebrating your wedding."

 

Eclipse specials at KC-area restaurants include aerial bartender, barrel-aged coffee

When daylight turns into twilight on Aug. 21 during the solar eclipse, several Kansas City restaurants will celebrate with drink and food specials, giveaways and more.

 

Avoid fake eclipse glasses if you want to see after Aug. 21

The briefest glance at the sun can inflict permanent harm, and there’s not much doctors can do.

 

Wondering where to view the Aug. 21 eclipse? Here are some options

About 200 million Americans live within a day’s ride of the path.

 

Was Jesus crucified during a solar eclipse? NASA shows one occurred in 33 A.D.

“It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun.”

 

New Total Solar Eclipse stamp will change when you touch it

The Total Eclipse of the Sun stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp.

 

Wind. Darkness. Once-in-a-lifetime event: Here’s how to photograph the solar eclipse

Are you ready to take a once-in-a-lifetime photo?

 

$1,900 a night for eclipse housing? St. Joseph rentals are booming

“You could enjoy it on the back patio versus having to go somewhere else, or the parking lot of a hotel.”

 

Shawnee Mission schools preparing for ‘great educational opportunity’ of total eclipse

"It’s a great educational opportunity for our students and families together."

 

What to serve at your solar eclipse party: Give guests the sun, the moon, the stars

Let the party continue all day and into the evening with themed food, beverages and music.

 

What music will you play as the moon blots out the sun? We offer this eclipse playlist

You might think of just remaining silent as the moon to crosses the sun. Or you can crank up the volume.

The moon will first cross in front of the sun at about 11:40 a.m. in Kansas City and will completely obscure the sun at about 1:08 p.m. Depending where you are, the sun will be completely occluded anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

This story was originally published August 9, 2017 at 10:59 AM with the headline "The solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Here’s everything you need to know."