ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — In just a few days, the Quad Cities will see the moon's shadow cover about 90% of the sun.
The path of totality runs from Texas to Southern Illinois, then follows the border of Canada up to Maine.
The Popular Astronomy Club of the Quad Cities is getting ready to watch, starting with a talk given by President Dale Hatchel at the Rock Island Public Library Watts-Midtown Branch.
"I believe the next time we will have a total solar eclipse, anywhere around this area, central United States. I believe it's the year 2153," Hatchel said. "So you'll have to wait a while if you miss this one."
Hatchel explained some of the mechanics behind solar and lunar eclipses. He said the moon comes into the same plane as Earth and the Sun about once a month, but the amount of crossover and places where it's visible varies greatly.
Where to watch the total eclipse
For those that want to chase down the path of totality, Hatchel gave a few suggestions in Missouri and beyond.
"Some of the towns I know they're going to are Poplar Bluff, Cape Girardeau, and of course, Carbondale, Illinois," Hatchel said. "And some people are even going to Indiana near Indianapolis and on to Cleveland, Ohio."
How to watch the eclipse safely
Wherever you watch the eclipse, you should take steps to keep your vision safe.
Dr. Timothy Boyce is an ophthalmologist and assistant professor of vitreoretinal surgery at the University of Iowa. He warned of the danger posed by looking directly at the sun, eclipse or not.
"We don't want you burning the retina, because we can't get it back," Boyce said.
He said eclipse glasses are a must. But they shouldn't be used with camera lenses or telescopes — instead, use a purpose-built filter or lens to photograph the eclipse.
Boyce also said fake eclipse glasses have been going around.
"It's good to see and make sure that the glasses do seem legitimate. And one way to do it is you put them on and you can't see anything," Boyce said.
Hatchel said welding helmets aren't a good alternative to proper eclipse glasses.
"All welding helmets are not the same or may not be strong enough to use for an eclipse," Hatchel said. "So please use only eclipse glasses that are certified."
A viable alternative to eclipse glasses is a pinhole projector, made with a cardboard box and a few household supplies. Check out this video from NASA on how to make your own:
You can also watch the eclipse through the Popular Astronomy Club's telescopes that are equipped with the proper filters. They'll be at the Moline Public Library from noon to 3 p.m.
As of Thursday, the Rock Island Public Library says it still has about 75 pairs of eclipse glasses and viewers, but they're running out fast. The library is reserving about 100 pairs for the day of the eclipse.
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