What happens during a solar eclipse? Experts explain the awe-inspiring phenomena to expect on April 8

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Updated on: April 7, 2024 / 9:13 AM EDT / CBS News 2024 Eclipse: What to expect, from the awe-inspiring to the "very strange" 2024 Eclipse: What to expect, from the awe-inspiring to the "very strange" 05:17 Monday's total eclipse of the sun won't be just any old eclipse; it's being referred to as the Great American Eclipse, because it's going through some very populated areas of the United States.
That shadow is only about 100 miles wide, so you have to be in a specific place to witness the solar eclipse in totality.
And for that experience of totally, White said the town will briefly grow to twice its size: "One-hundred-sixty-thousand people might be in town for the eclipse, and we're very excited about it," she said.
- How Americans in the solar eclipse's path of totality plan to celebrate the celestial event on April 8 Here's how one airline is planning to provide a total eclipse experience — from 30,000 feet in the air ("CBS Mornings") Hotel prices soar as tourists flock to see solar eclipse HOW TO SAFELY VIEW THE ECLIPSE Looking directly at the sun can permanently damage your vision, which is why you need eye protection.