Decoding the sky: A solar eclipse diagram for kids (adults also welcome)

Look up in the sky: It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's the moon covering the sun.

In just a few days a total solar eclipse will arrive in North America, and people are already pretty excited. But, what's the big deal really? Don't eclipses happen all the time? Well, this one is a bit different − rare even. And it only lasts a few minutes so it's good to be prepared beforehand.

Here's an illustrated guide to help you understand what the April 8 total solar eclipse means, where it will be visible and how you can watch it safely.

What is a total solar eclipse?

Not all eclipses are the same, they can look different, depending where on Earth you are and where the moon's shadow is.

Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them. 

More:What time is the total solar eclipse on April 8? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide

Where can the total solar eclipse be viewed?

On April 8, NASA says, the total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing through Texas around 1:27 p.m. CDT and ending in Maine about 3:35 p.m. EDT. Anywhere along the eclipse path, the longest period of totality will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, nearly double that of the 2017 solar eclipse.

Not everyone in the world will be able to see it, only people who happen to be in the path of the huge moon shadow.

How to safely view the solar eclipse

You can also create fun ways to view the eclipse without looking directly at the sun.

A total eclipse occurs when the moon appears the same size as the sun and blocks the entire disk, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. During that period called "totality," you can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, known as the corona. Also the darkness can confuse animals – nocturnal creatures stir, and bird and insects fall silent. The solar eclipse will be the last of its kind that will be visible for people in the U.S. until Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.