Local observatory explains the uniqueness of the upcoming total solar eclipse

For the first time in close to a century the path of a solar eclipse will exclusively cross the U.S. from coast to coast.

For many this will be a once in a lifetime experience and that's why the founder of the Jackson Observatory in Eden is over the moon.

According to NASA eclipses happen every 12 to 18 months, but this one is a little different.

Peter Jackson tells 47 ABC, "We move around the sun in one angle and the moon moves around us at a different angle, so it's a rare event when all the angles line up correctly and the shadow from the moon when it eclipses the sun, crosses exactly across the earth."

With the total solar eclipse passing by, we are told rumors have started to orbit.

One is to not cook any food during a total solar eclipse because the rays that come from the sun are going to hurt the food. Another one, pregnant women should not go out during a total solar eclipse because the rays will hurt them.

But there is no such affect from the rays.

Rumors aside, the facts are clear. The path will be about 70 miles wide and will stretch from Oregon to South Carolina.

In Salisbury, folks wll see about an 80% eclipse at about 2:45, 2:50 in the afternoon on August 21st.

Even if Delmarva isn't directly in the path's way, we will still be able to enjoy this natural beauty.

In order to view the solar eclipse, you'll need to wear protective eye wear.

A variety of libraries in the area are crafting pinhole viewers.

These are easy crafts that allow people of any age to safely see the eclipse.

But just because they're easy to make, doesn't mean they're not extremely important.

Staring into the eclipse, even for a minute, can cause serious risk and eye injury.

The back of your eyes have no sensitivity to indicate that they are hurting.

The Wicomico County Public Library will host a pinhole crafting event next Friday.

The day of the solar eclipse, the Pittsville and Salisbury location will also host another craft session in order to view the eclipse right after.