On Aug. 21, the United States will experience what National Geographic has called the “best solar eclipse in a century,” and The Daily News doesn’t want anybody to miss the opportunity to pay attention!

It’s a total eclipse. That means the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun and the moon will completely block the sun’s light.

It’s also been called the “Great American Total Solar Eclipse” because the path of totality, or the greatest darkness, will stretch 70 miles wide from Oregon to South Carolina.

Louisiana will not get totality, but the eclipse will certainly be noticeable here. In Washington Parish, the event should begin to be visible just before noon. The moon will reach its maximum coverage just before 1:30 p.m., and it will all be over just before 3 p.m.

But beware. Looking directly at the sun, even when it’s partially covered by the moon, can cause serious damage to your eyes. It can even leave you blind.

And since many people don’t seem able to resist the temptation to look at an eclipse, The Daily News suggests that everybody get eclipse glasses that block harmful infrared and ultraviolet light as soon as possible.

The next total eclipse will be in 2024.

For more information, there is plenty of research about the Aug. 21 eclipse online.