Millions of people will gaze into the sky Monday to view a total solar eclipse as the moons shadow crosses the United States from Oregon to South Carolina.

The path of this shadow is called the path of totality.

You have to be somewhere in that 3,000-mile path to see a total eclipse, said David White, known as the Astronomy Man who gave a night-sky presentation at Chino Hills State Park two weeks ago. When the moon is between the earth and sun, and the moon blocks the sun, it will be night-time in that path.

When he watched the solar eclipse in Hawaii in 1991, he heard cattle on the hillside moo because the sky grew dark as if it was night-time.

Residents in Chino Valley will only see a partial eclipse, said Erik Simonsen of Chino Hills. The aviation author is known for his stunning photography and recorded observations of sky phenomena.

The moon will start to block the sun around 9:05 a.m.

At 10:22 a.m., it will reach maximum coverage, though residents in Chino and Chino Hills won't see a total eclipse.

Its going to be a spectacular event, but in our area, it may just seem like a hazy day, he said, adding that 62.2 percent of the sun will be covered by the moon.

He said the only time viewers can safely look up is when the moon is completely covered by the sun.

The total eclipse will last 2 minutes and 40 seconds, Mr. Simonsen said.

He predicted millions of people will head for the path of totality. He said hotels near St. Louis and Nashville are solidly booked at rates of $1,500 per night.

This event is so widely publicized Im afraid many people will damage their eyes, he said. A lot of people are trying to make a buck by selling phony eclipse glasses that arent safe.

Mr. White, who lives in Fontana, said even a glance at the sun can damage the eyes.

You may not feel it, but it can be devastating later in life, he said. Because its a thermal injury, the nerve cannot regrow. These injuries can dramatically increase sight deprivation as we age.

Mr. White suggested moon watching as a safe alternative.

Viewers with imagination may be able to see a rabbit while others can see a lady wearing a diamond necklace.

The Japanese see a frog on the moon, he noted.

Residents may view the eclipse safely by visiting nasa.gov where the eclipse will be covered live beginning at 9 a.m.

News, images, and videos are also on the website.

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Eclipse advice from Astronomy Man - Chino Champion