On Monday afternoon, the country will be treated to a rare celestial event when a total eclipse of the sun takes place across the nation.

As the moon moves into place between the sun and earth, its shadow will be cast in a path reaching from Oregon to Georgia, plunging some areas into total darkness, with stars and planets becoming visible in the afternoon sky for a few minutes.

The path of totality where this will take place will run to the south of Ohio, with the location of greatest eclipse being in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, just a short day drive from our region.

However, there is still a chance to view a partial eclipse, provided one uses the proper eye protection.

At locations such as the Boyd County Public Library and Marshall University, protective eclipse glasses will be available so that observers can see the moon crossing over a good portion of the sun.

However, trying to look at the sun, even in this state, with the bare eye can result in major damage to your vision.

Monday’s event will be the first time an eclipse has taken place over the nation since 1918 and is not to be missed. For those who can not make it to the path of totality, we highly recommend you get out to one of the local observation options.