A total eclipse will occur in the central United States.

This is an exciting time according to Astronomer Scott Young from the Manitoba museum.

“There are usually two or three solar eclipses every year somewhere in the world, but because it has to happen in the daytime when the sun is up and has to happen over our part of the world and so on, we usually get some kind of view every five years, sometimes every seven years,” noted Young.  “There was one back in 2012 that I know we were clouded out for here in Winnipeg.  There was another one in the early 2000’s that was visible but the total solar eclipse is a very rare thing.  There was one through Manitoba in 1979 and there won’t be another one through Manitoba until long after we are all dead and gone.”

Young adds it's important to use proper eye wear when looking up at the eclipse. Problems such as blindness or irritation can occur when looking at the sun for prolonged periods of time.