A. When a total solar eclipse occurs, the sun, moon and Earth must be in a direct line. A total solar eclipse is only visible from a small area on earth.  The moon covers up the sun, causing the sky to become very dark, as if it were night. It produces a 360--degree sunset, making it dark enough to see planets, bright stars and the sun's corona. Insects and animals will act as if it is nighttime, so you may even see fireflies during a total eclipse!  In order to see the full effects, you must be in the Path of Totality of an eclipse. If you are inside the Path of Totality, you may look up at the eclipse safely without special glasses or viewers only during the time of totality. Before and after totality, you must wear safety glasses or look through a safe eclipse viewer. This also applies if you are in an area just outside of the Path of Totality where only a partial eclipse is viewable.