MOLINE, Ill. - The countdown is on until a rare total solar eclipse, and Quad Cities astronomy club is preparing for the once in a lifetime experience.

August 21st will be the first time in 99-years that day will turn to night from coast to coast.

Al Scheidler is president of Popular Astronomy Club in Moline. He says stargazers have been planning to view this eclipse for years.

"They aren't occurring where there are large populations. This time we're lucky enough to have them go right straight through the center of the United States."

A total solar eclipse is when the sun, moon and earth align perfectly with each other, leaving some areas of the united states in the dark for a few minutes during the day.

"Popular Astronomy Club" will be hosting a viewing party at the Moline public library the day of the eclipse.

The group owns a mobile observatory - one of only two in the U.S.

The "path of totality" is the 3000 mile long journey the eclipse will travel, starting in Oregon and ending in South Carolina.

In the Quad Cities, you'll be able to see about 91 percent of total eclipse.

Experts say you should use proper equipment to view the eclipse to avoid permanent eye damage.

Local 4 News chief meteorologist, and eclipse super-fan, Andy McCray, is hoping for clear skies.

"The one thing we can't control though is the weather. We do need clear skies. If it's a cloudy, overcast day it's not going to be nearly as exciting."

If you miss the total eclipse next month, another total solar eclipse will pass through the U.S. in 2024, on a slightly different route.

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Local Astronomy Club preps for Total Solar Eclipse - OurQuadCities