How to get ready for the solar eclipse

A total solar eclipseis expected to pass through the United States Monday, giving stargazers across the country the opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon in which the sun is completely covered by the moon. The eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine. It is thelast time a total solar eclipse will be visiblein the contiguous United States until 2044.

What can you expect?Well, traffic jams, especially in the path of totality.Temperatures may drop by anywhere from 5 to 15 degrees as the sunlight retreats. Particularlyavid eclipse fans will take to the skiesas some fanatics plan to board commercial flights along the eclipse's path, just to catch a brief glimpse of the moon obscuring the sun.

We at TIME love covering an eclipse. It is a rare moment, where millions of people share in an experience that won’t return for decades. As part of our coverage on Monday, editor-at-largeJeffrey Kluger—our resident space and science expert—will host a broadcast, streaming at TIME.com and across our social platforms.

Before you grab your glasses—and please make sure you’reusing the right ones—visit TIME this weekendand join us on Monday for all your eclipse background, video, and photography.\xa0

Where will you be watching the eclipse? Let me know. Sam@Time.com.