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Travelmath provides an online travel time calculator to help you figure out flight and driving times. You can compare the results to see the effect on the total duration of your trip. Usually, the flight time will be shorter, but if the destination is close, the driving time can still be reasonable.

Another popular tool is the time difference calculator, which can be used to check the time zone change anywhere in the world. This is especially useful if you're making international calls, since you can find the best time to schedule your phone call.

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23 Top Things to Do in Wisconsin

The Badger State's charming small towns, thriving farm-to-table movement and rich brewing heritage guarantee quality vacations for all types of travelers.

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Become a Cheesehead by exploring all that Wisconsin has to offer.

America's Dairy State may not be on everyone's vacation radar, but the state boasts pristine state parks, iconic architecture and rich culinary traditions supplemented by craft beer and farm-to-table experiences. Also, of course, its residents are famous for their Midwestern hospitability. America's Dairyland is well worth the trip for weekend getaways or week-long vacations. It's no exaggeration to claim Wisconsin offers something for every type of traveler – world-class art for culture enthusiasts, metropolitan food tours for foodies, numerous waterparks for families and relaxing scenery for outdoors lovers, including rolling hills, lush farmland, forests and lakes. Read on to explore the top things to do in Wisconsin. (Note: Some tours and excursions may be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions and parking reservation requirements. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Located on Lake Michigan, the largest lake in the United States, Milwaukee is easy to explore; everything seems to be only a 5-minute drive away. Known as Brew City and home to the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, no trip to Milwaukee is complete without tasting its beer heritage. With more than 200 breweries, there are brewery tours for every palette, from micro to macro and fruit beers to pale ales. Winters in Milwaukee can be harsh and long, so the most popular time to visit is in the summer months or fall. Summer is high season, with a multitude of neighborhood festivals, outdoor concerts and ethnic celebrations, like German Fest in July, honoring the city's largest immigrant group. Summer excitement reaches its peak at the end of June with Summerfest, a massive and affordable music festival.

[See more of Milwaukee: Things to Do | Hotels | Photos ]

Get cultured at the Milwaukee Museum Campus

Looking for family-friendly activities in Milwaukee? Head toward the city's lakefront museum campus to Discovery World, Milwaukee's world-class science museum. If you have littler ones, stroll across the street to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. Just north of Discovery World is the architecturally impressive Milwaukee Art Museum , a modern masterpiece designed by Santiago Calatrava. Time your visit to witness the spectacle of the building's wings (large movable sunscreens) opening and closing at 10 a.m., noon or closing time. If you want to feel like you're actually sleeping in an art museum, book a room at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, which is located in the heart of downtown. Guests delight in the art exhibits on display throughout the hotel and applaud the in-room vintage record players. If you enjoy a martini with a view, consider the Blu lounge at the historic Pfister Hotel , offering panoramic views, cocktails and more from the 23rd floor.

Harley-Davidson Museum

Courtesy of Harley-Davidson Museum

Milwaukee's also home to a very different kind of museum. The motorcycle was invented in 1903 by Milwaukee residents William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson. Learn all about the machine that came to symbolize the freedom of America and the open road at the Harley-Davidson Museum . Motorcycle enthusiasts will be in hog heaven when they enter this modern steel-and-glass museum. These hallowed halls house a permanent collection of hundreds of bikes, including the first motorcycles built and Elvis Presley's custom bike.

Address: 400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53201

Visit the University of Wisconsin

Home to the main campus of the University of Wisconsin and its lovable mascot Bucky the Badger, Madison is more than just a cool college town. Activists and incoming college students appreciate that Madison, about 80 miles east of Milwaukee, has been the scene of many a protest, whether against the Vietnam War or in favor of marijuana legalization. What's more, the University of Wisconsin – Madison Memorial Union on the shores of Lake Mendota is a favorite for students and locals; grab a brat and brew and enjoy the view. The 72-room Graduate Madison is an easy walk to campus, dining, shopping and nightlife. Badger red is the hotel's unifying color palette, and guests give the hotel high marks for its nostalgic decor and artwork, including collages of political buttons, a nod to the town's legacy of social activism.

Address: 800 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53703

No trip to Madison is complete without visiting the beautiful, white-domed Wisconsin State Capitol building. Free tours of the building are given daily. What's more, Madison's isthmus location on a narrow strip of land between two lakes means waterfront biking and hiking trails abound. It's one of a handful of U.S. towns to earn a Platinum designation from The League of American Bicyclists as a bicycle-friendly community, so purchasing a $15 24-hour bike-share pass is a great way to explore the city.

[See more of Madison: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Try the cheese

Wisconsinites are lovingly referred to as Cheeseheads. If you're looking to experience more than just the squeaky cheese curds the state is famous for, visitors recommend stopping by the Fromagination cheese store for its ambiance, multitude of options and generous samples. Billing itself as the capital of cheese, this shop is a must-see for cheese lovers, featuring dozens of one-of-a-kind artisanal Wisconsin varieties. And if you're in Madison on a Saturday morning between April and November, mosey over to the Capitol building to shop. The Dane County Farmers' Market is the country's largest producer-only farmers market, a great way to take yourself on a food tour of the finest Wisconsin farmers have to offer.

Lake Geneva

Located near the Wisconsin-Illinois border, 7 miles north of the border and about 50 miles southeast of Milwaukee, Lake Geneva is popular for weekend getaways, with visitors describing it as the "Newport of the Midwest" for its opulent lakefront mansions. You can glimpse that luxurious lifestyle while walking the Geneva Lakeshore Path, a 25-mile walkway that circles the lake, bringing you through the backyards of opulent estates. Circling the entire lake would take all day, but you can pick a section and go for a jog or a stroll. Keep in mind that the path is not suited for strollers or bikes. Being home or second home to many of the Midwest's elite, the town is filled with great restaurants, shops and fun-filled activities throughout the year. Tourists descend on Lake Geneva during the summer season to rent boats, but fall and spring are also magnificent for weekend getaways. A warm-weather visit calls for a stay at The Abbey Resort, the only lodging directly on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Spend a winter weekend at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is one of the best choices for a winter visit to Lake Geneva, with a bevy of amenities and a modest ski hill. The resort's hill is decidedly not the Rocky Mountains, but there are three chair lifts, two carpet lifts, 20 runs and a terrain park. After a day on the slopes, skiers like to warm up with a hot toddy around the outdoor fire pit at the resort's Embers Terrace. Kids can dive into the fun at Grand Geneva's Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark while the adults chill out in the resort's world-class spa. Regardless of where you stay, winter in Lake Geneva means it's time for their annual one-of-a-kind Winterfest, one of the country's largest ice sculpture festivals.

Address: 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Door County

With more than 300 miles of shoreline to enjoy, visitors have long flocked to Wisconsin's peninsula, known as Door County, for weekend getaways. Being a peninsula in the Great Lakes, the area's 11 lighthouses play a big part in Door County's history. Visitors recommend Door County Trolley's lighthouse tour, describing it as entertaining and informative. Stop by the Door County Maritime Museum to dive deeper into lighthouse lore. Nature lovers and culture enthusiasts will also find plenty to keep them busy in Door County's charming villages. They can visit any of the area's more than one hundred art galleries and studios, sample the region's famous cherries and cheese, and explore Door County's eight wineries. Summer is the busiest season, and events like the annual Door County Plein Air Festival every July, when artists try to capture the summer light on the area's water and fields, make every stay unique.

Door County fish boil

Courtesy of Destination Door County

New Englanders have their clambakes. The closest thing to that in the Midwest is the Door County fish boil, a one-of-a-kind culinary spectacle. It's one of the top things to do in this peninsula. A Scandinavian tradition, fish boils are a way of cooking fish in a large cooking pot over an open fire. Part of the experience is coming early, sitting around the fire and watching the hour-long cooking process, led by a Boil Master who serves as both chef and entertainer. When the food is almost ready, the Boil Master alerts diners that the "boil-over" is about to begin. Kerosene is then thrown onto the fire, making for a fiery finish. Fish boils traditionally include potatoes, coleslaw and classic Door County cherry pie for dessert. Though restaurants from the southernmost Sturgeon Bay to the north tip of the peninsula offer up these unique dinners, visitors give the White Gull Inn some of the best reviews.

Explore the surrounding state parks

Biking and hiking Whitefish Dunes State Park and Potawatomi State Park are some of the top outdoor activities in Door County. Kayaking the Lake Michigan lakefront, where you can explore the caves and coves and view the shore scenery that can only be seen from the water, is another favorite outdoor activity. Door County Kayak Tours gets high ratings for their friendly, informative guides. When the weather is warm enough, travelers can camp at the area's state park to save some time and be best prepared to catch a sunrise over Lake Michigan.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin

Courtesy of Taliesin Preservation

Architecture buffs will delight in the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center and Taliesin, an 800-acre estate set amidst rolling hills overlooking the Wisconsin River. Wright is widely revered as America's greatest architect and the founder of the Prairie-style school of architecture. He built Taliesin in 1911. Taliesin is his Prairie-style, minimalist masterpiece, a must-see for architecture and design enthusiasts. Taliesin Preservation manages the grounds and offers six touring options of the estate, along with other arts and cultural programming and special events like a farm dinner series, biking tour and Winter Festival tours.

Address: 5607 County Road C, Spring Green, WI 53588

The House on the Rock

Frank Lloyd Wright is known as the master of minimalism, but Spring Green's other architectural marvel is definitely not understated. Yet plenty of visitors delight in the one-of-a-kind roadside spectacle known as The House on the Rock. Built in 1960 by Alex Jordan, this massive home now houses his eclectic collection of everything from suits of armor to ivory carvings. It's also home to the world's largest indoor carousel. The House on the Rock is not for everyone. Some visitors describe it as a Midwestern jewel and incredible journey, while others find it overstimulating and claustrophobic.

Address: 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588

Explore Spring Green

A Spring Green restaurant well worth visiting for architecture buffs is Last Leaf Public House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this more than 100-year-old building features painstakingly preserved original light fixtures, doors and other features from when it was the State Bank of Spring Green. You can even reserve a table inside what used to be the bank's vault. Those who aren't architecture enthusiasts will still have reason to visit Spring Green. Spring Green's internationally respected American Players Theatre entices theater lovers with outdoor summer stagings of Shakespeare and other classics. Theatergoers bring their picnic baskets for a theatrical evening under the stars in Spring Green's massive 1,147-seat outdoor amphitheater.

Courtesy of Let's Minocqua Visitors Bureau + Chamber of Commerce

Pure Americana is served up in central Wisconsin's Minocqua; the town offers everything from the fudge and ice cream shops to the popular screen-door cottages families love to rent. Guests appreciate the old-school lake vacation experience they get in the condos, cottages and cabins of The Beacons of Minocqua. Experience classic local dining by going to what Wisconsinites call a supper club. Get a taste for this classic culinary tradition at Little Bohemia Lodge in the nearby town of Manitowish Waters. Diners rave about the generous portions and highly recommend the German pork schnitzel and spaetzle noodles. Besides the authentic cuisine, guests will appreciate that meals come with a side of history. Little Bohemia Lodge was the site of a 1934 shootout between John Dillinger and the FBI. You can even see the bullet holes that remain in one of the windows.

Min-Aqua Bats

The one-of-a-kind Min-Aqua Bats have been entertaining crowds in Minocqua with their first-rate water-ski show since 1950. Visitors praise the mostly local teenagers who participate for mastering some incredible tricks and keeping a beloved tradition alive. Catch this not-to-be-missed free show on Sunday, Wednesday or Friday. Fred Scheer's Lumberjack Shows make for another fun, unique family outing in Minocqua. Young men show off their sawing skills and log-rolling agility while including plenty of comic moments for laughs.

Address: 400 W. Park Ave., Minocqua, WI 54548

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is home to the most indoor and outdoor water parks in the world – more than 20 different parks. If traveling to the self-proclaimed "Waterpark Capital of the World" with kids, stay at one of the top resorts for easy access to amenities. In addition to its water parks, the Wisconsin Dells offer a wide variety of kid-friendly entertainment options, from mini-golf to indoor amusement parks. Visitors point to the Palace Theater as a great night out, applauding the talent and production value of the concerts, comedy shows, plays for children and Broadway-style productions. Another fun venue is the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater, which guests praise for funny bits and impressive illusions. Want to escape the indoor attractions for a natural one? Head over to Mirror Lake State Park for a scenic hike along a tranquil lake surrounded by sandstone bluffs. Pontoon boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent.

[Read: The Top Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells .]

Courtesy of Visit Eau Claire

In the heart of northwestern Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley, Eau Claire is perfect for weekend getaways, with both outdoor activities as well as a thriving downtown scene of arts and brewing. The city has a lively music scene, with summer festivals focusing on jazz, rock and country music. Visitors will also discover a robust farm-to-table movement in this fertile section of America's heartland. The Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market welcomes shoppers May through October every Saturday morning. This being Wisconsin, Eau Claire houses a handful of craft breweries, including The Brewing Projekt, where you can order up a flight of creative beer flavors in a hip, loft-like setting. The Oxbow Hotel's accommodations are inspired by the town's hip, artsy feel with a stylish design featuring exposed brick, regional artwork and a turntable in every room.

Chippewa River State Trail

One natural feature that makes Eau Claire truly special is that it's at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers. The two rivers provide plenty of outdoor opportunities, from fishing and swimming to kayaking and tubing. The 30-mile Chippewa River State Trail takes full advantage of the city's riverfront location and provides an option for walkers and endurance athletes. Starting in downtown Eau Claire's Phoenix Park, the trail runs along the Chippewa River through prairies, sandstone bluffs and wetlands.

Elkhart Lake

Generations of Midwesterners have enjoyed weekend getaways to the crystal-clear waters of this town, about 60 miles north of Milwaukee. Rent your own boat and water ski on Elkhart Lake or hit the nearby Kettle Moraine State Park trails. You could spend an entire weekend quietly hiking or biking along the country roads, but Elkhart Lake also has a racier side. It is home to Road America, a racetrack hosting NASCAR races, vintage car events and specialized driving schools. Things get particularly revved up on Wednesday nights with live music and dancing at Siebkens Resort's Stop-Inn Tavern. The Osthoff Resort is the grande dame of Elkhart Lake with fine dining, a French cooking school and an award-winning spa.

Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame & Lambeau Field

Tens of thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage each year to central Wisconsin's Green Bay, considered a mecca for football fans. Green Bay is the smallest city housing an NFL team, and the Green Bay Packers are the only publicly owned major professional sports team in the U.S. Cheeseheads are a dedicated bunch, but you don't have to own a green and gold jersey to appreciate the memorabilia and exhibits at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Visitors love getting to see the Super Bowl trophies.

Dedicated football fans who want to tackle even more Packers lore will score big by taking a guided tour of Lambeau Field. Adult tickets start at $21 for a 60-minute tour. Opt for the longer, more expensive options if you want to see the press box, locker rooms and more.

Address: 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304

National Railroad Museum

Courtesy of National Railroad Museum

Not everything in Green Bay is devoted to the Packers. Train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy a stop at Green Bay's National Railroad Museum. Visitors describe the museum as amazing and compliment the friendly, informed staff for making the experience fun. Besides the permanent exhibit of train memorabilia, guests can climb aboard for a ride on a diesel locomotive. Other special events throughout the year include a pumpkin patch train ride in the fall and a Polar Express train ride in November and December.

Address: 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304

Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin is the nation's largest producer of cranberries. And the small town of Wisconsin Rapids, 100 miles northwest of Madison, is the cranberry capital. Home to the Cranberry Blossom Festival every June, you can explore the history of the tart berry year-round at the Cranberry Discovery Center in the neighboring town of Warrens. Hop on State Trunk Highway 54 for a self-guided food tour as the 50-mile Wisconsin Cranberry Trail winds past family farms and cranberry marshes. Visitors point to Le Chateau Bed and Breakfast as the best lodging in Wisconsin Rapids. Previous guests rave about the manicured gardens and sumptuous breakfasts, and many also appreciate how the owners have preserved the elegance of this 1889 Queen Anne-style house.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Romantic Getaways in Wisconsin
• The Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
• The Best Midwest Vacations for Families
• The Top Ski Resorts in Michigan
• The Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago

Tags: Travel , Wisconsin Vacations , Midwest Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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President Joe Biden to visit Madison next week in latest trip to Wisconsin

MADISON - President Joe Biden will visit Wisconsin next week, his second stop in the battleground state in less than a month.

Biden plans to “discuss lowering costs for Americans” during his visit to Madison but no other details were available as of Tuesday morning.

More: Gilbert: For Donald Trump, Wisconsin in 2024 looks a lot like Wisconsin in 2016

From Madison, Biden will travel to Chicago for a campaign event. Biden announced the Wisconsin visit the same day as the presidential primary and as his Republican opponent in the 2024 presidential race plans to visit the state for a campaign rally.

Former President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Green Bay Tuesday evening — his first stop in Wisconsin since the 2024 race began. Biden or a top administration official has visited the state seven times since the start of the year as the Democratic president looks to replicate his narrow win in the state four years ago.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Biden defeated Trump in 2020 by about 21,000 votes. In 2016, Trump defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by less than a percentage point.

Will I have cell service in Wisconsin during the eclipse? Here's what to know.

The 2024 total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the country as the moon blocks the sun's light along a southwest-to-northeast path across the continent. While millions of people will experience the "path of totality," the rest of the country, including Wisconsin , will only see a partial solar eclipse.

While Wisconsin isn't on the list of travel destinations to view the full solar eclipse, cell service still could affected by the eclipse.

Here's what to know:

Will I have cellphone service during the solar eclipse in Wisconsin?

Solar eclipses can affect the structure and dynamics of Earth's upper atmosphere, otherwise known as the ionosphere, according to NASA . Since the ionosphere contains charged particles and is responsible for reflecting and refracting radio waves, it can possibly affect radio communications and navigation systems.

"While solar eclipses can have noticeable effects on the ionosphere, they are generally temporary and localized to the region experiencing the eclipse," according to NASA.

However, because Wisconsin most likely won't be facing high volumes of crowds traveling to see the partial eclipse, cellular networks won't be as strained across the state as areas in the path of totality.

Will cellular data work during the solar eclipse?

Cellular data should work during the solar eclipse, especially as some networks have expanded since the last solar eclipse in 2017.

AT&T has said it expanded the 5G network to reach millions of people in 24,500 cities across the country. T-Mobile said it has deployed additional cell sites to handle the influx of people traveling to view the eclipse. T-Mobile also said it increased investments in network hardening by more than 30% over the past two years.

Can you capture the solar eclipse on your cellphone?

You can capture the solar eclipse with your cellphone, according to NASA . You'll need to use a solar filter to protect your camera, and you'll also need a pair of solar viewing glasses to protect your eyes.

For more information on how to best capture the eclipse, you can visit NASA's website .

RELATED: Wisconsin will be cloudy during the eclipse. Here's where you can travel to see clear skies

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse you can see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 7, 2024 / 7:29 PM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse crosses North America on April 8, 2024, with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show where and when astronomy fans can see the big event . 

The total eclipse will first appear along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then travel across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon will fully block out the sun , according to NASA. The path will range between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT on April 8, according to NASA. From there, the path will continue into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse will exit continental North America around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality includes the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. are included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others will see a partial eclipse. Here are some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — if the weather cooperates :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse will reach totality across the path

The eclipse will begin in the U.S. on the afternoon of April 8. It will first be visible as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and progressing along its path to the northeast over the next few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. You can also  check your ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse will reach you if you're on, or near, the path of totality. 

How much of the eclipse will you see if you live outside of the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse will cover a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may spot a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer you are to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that will be hidden.

NASA allows viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun will be covered in their location.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality have a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You can check the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where will the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, will get to experience totality for the longest. Totality there will last 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes long, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. come close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, will have a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

After the April 8 eclipse, the next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse than the upcoming one on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse, but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

More from CBS News

See the list of notable total solar eclipses in the U.S. since 1778

Why do total solar eclipses happen? Learn what causes the celestial show

When was the last total solar eclipse in the U.S.? Revisiting 2017

How to make pinhole cameras to watch the 2024 solar eclipse safely

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

What Time to See the Solar Eclipse Broken Down by State

T ens of millions of people live in the path of the highly-anticipated total solar eclipse passing through the U.S. on Monday, April 8, with others planning to travel to see it. 

The total eclipse, during which the moon passes between Earth and the sun and blocks the face of the sun, will enter the country in Texas before passing through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported. 

Slivers of Tennessee and Michigan will also catch glimpses of totality, NASA said, although what you can see during an eclipse depends on the weather in your location, as cloud cover can affect visibility .

Read More : Helpful Tips for Planning Your Solar Eclipse Trip

Below is a list of local times to see the total eclipse in states with the best views, according to NASA . You can search more locations on NASA’s interactive eclipse map or view lists of total eclipse cities and all eclipse spots —both resources recommended by scientist Samaiyah Farid.

Texas 

Totality will hit Dallas from 1:40 p.m. to 1:44 p.m. The partial eclipse will start at 12:23 p.m. and finish at 3:02 p.m. 

Oklahoma 

The partial eclipse begins in Idabel at 12:28 p.m., with totality hitting at 1:45 p.m. and concluding at 1:49 p.m. The partial eclipse ends at 3:06 p.m. 

Arkansas 

The partial eclipse commences at 12:33 p.m. in Little Rock, followed by the total eclipse from 1:51 p.m. to 1:54 p.m. The partial eclipse concludes at 3:11 p.m. 

Missouri 

People in Poplar Bluff will experience the partial eclipse starting at 12:39 p.m., with totality from 1:56 p.m. to 2 p.m., and witness the partial eclipse’s end at 3:15 p.m.

Read More : The Best Apps for the Solar Eclipse

If you’re in Paducah, start looking for the partial eclipse at 12:42 p.m. Totality will last from 2 p.m. to 2:02 p.m. The partial eclipse will extend until 3:18 p.m. 

Illinois 

Carbondale will see a partial eclipse starting at 12:42 p.m., followed by the total eclipse from 1:59 p.m. to 2:03 p.m., with the partial eclipse ending at 3:18 p.m. 

Indiana 

Evansville will experience the partial eclipse starting at 12:45 p.m., followed by totality from 2:02 p.m. to 2:05 p.m., with the partial eclipse finishing at 3:20 p.m. 

Cleveland will spot the partial eclipse starting at 1:59 p.m. The total eclipse will run from 3:13 p.m. to 3:17 p.m. The entire eclipse will be over at 4:29 p.m. 

Pennsylvania 

The partial eclipse will begin in the city of Erie at 2:02 p.m. Totality extends from 3:16 p.m. to 3:20 p.m., with the entire eclipse over by 4:30 p.m. 

New York 

Buffalo will experience the partial eclipse beginning at 2:04 p.m., then the total eclipse from 3:18 p.m. to 3:22 p.m., with the entire event concluding at 4:32 p.m.

Read More : Is It Safe to Fly During a Solar Eclipse?

Vermont 

The partial eclipse will begin to be visible in Burlington at 2:14 p.m. Totality extends from 3:26 p.m. to 3:29 p.m. The partial eclipse is over at 4:37 p.m. 

New Hampshire 

In Lancaster, the partial eclipse commences at 2:16 p.m. Totality lasts from 3:27 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The eclipse is over at 4:38 p.m. 

Maine 

The partial eclipse will descend upon Caribou at 2:22 p.m. Totality will engulf the city from 3:32 p.m. to 3:34 p.m. The partial eclipse will cease at 4:40 p.m. 

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Advertisement

Map: 4.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes New Jersey

By William B. Davis ,  Madison Dong ,  Judson Jones ,  John Keefe ,  Bea Malsky and Lazaro Gamio

Shake intensity

A light, 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck in New Jersey on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake was felt across the New York City metropolitan area, and from Philadelphia to Boston.

The temblor happened at 10:23 a.m. Eastern about 4 miles north of Whitehouse Station, N.J., data from the agency shows.

As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake's reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.

Aftershocks in the region

At 5:59 p.m. Eastern on Friday, a light aftershock with a magnitude of 3.8 struck near Gladstone, New Jersey, according to U.S.G.S. (The agency initially gave the quake a preliminary magnitude of 4.0.)

An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.

Quakes and aftershocks within 100 miles

Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or larger magnitude to the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect already damaged locations.

How this quake compares

The U.S.G.S. has logged 188 earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or greater within a 250-mile radius of New York City since 1957. In that timeframe, only seven have had a magnitude at or above 4.5. Today’s quake had the third-highest magnitude in the available data.

Today’s earthquake

Magnitude 4.8

250-mile radius

from New York City

Source: U. S.G.S.

By Lazaro Gamio

Source: United States Geological Survey | Notes: Shaking categories are based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. All times above are Eastern. Shake data is as of Friday, April 5 at 10:44 a.m. Eastern. Aftershocks data is as of Monday, April 8 at 3:08 a.m. Eastern.

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