A solar eclipse will occur over the United States on Monday, April 8. While most Americans will get to see a partial eclipse without needing to go farther than their own front yard, only those within the narrow “path of totality” will experience the full, spectacular show.

People in Alpena will see the moon slowly cover 90% of the afternoon sun. Here, the light of day will feel oddly dim, tree branches will cast strange crescent shadows on the ground, and the temperature will drop a few degrees. You’ll need protective glasses to look directly at the sickle-shaped sun, even just for a moment.

The difference between 90 percent and total coverage may seem insignificant, but, when it comes to a solar eclipse, the contrast is literally day and night.

People within the 100-mile wide path of totality will witness an entirely unique, dazzling sight: Only when the black disc of the moon totally obstructs the sun will a brilliant halo of pure white light appear against the darkened sky.

In an instant, you will be plunged into twilight. Street lamps will come on. People around you will cheer and cry. For several minutes, you will gaze directly into the shimmering black-hole sun — no eye protection needed — and see stars and planets beyond it. You will feel awe. Many describe the experience as deeply moving, even spiritual. After witnessing a total eclipse in 2017, I count myself among them.

If you have the means, please make plans to travel south into the path of totality. Wherever you end up April 8, I hope you enjoy the show.

CHRIS ENGLE,

Alpena Township