If the moon was any bigger, or any smaller, I doubt total solar eclipses would have the same beauty as it does. Of course, it's purely coincidence that it's just the right size to cover just enough of the Sun to create a spectacular light display.

Which just makes a total solar eclipse all the more beautiful, really. Unfortunately, it's quite difficult to see one because of its rarity, and you have to be in the right place in the right time to actually get to see one.

What's more, the total solar eclipse on August 1 seems to be one of the most difficult to get to watch. First of all, the places where the eclipse will last the longest have a 75% chance of bad weather. Considering the eclipse will last for only 2 minutes and 27 seconds at its peak, time is of the essence.

It's also a hassle to try and go to China to watch the eclipse, seeing as the Olympics will start only 7 days later. You can bet that planes and hotels are all booked. Even without the Olympics, past eclipse tours could cost up to US$ 2,000.

Still, there are other ways to watch the eclipse. That's what the Internet is for (it's not just for porn, Trekkie Monster). Groups such as NASA and the Exploratorium in San Francisco will be broadcasting eclipses live on the internet. So unless you're in that part of the world where the eclipse will be seen, it's probably best to stay home instead of going halfway around the world just to see clouds blocking your view.

If you miss this year's eclipse, you might stand a better chance next year, when the eclipse will last a little over 6 minutes, the longest of this century. It will be seen in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China.

---

Related articles:

• Total Solar Eclipse will occur on August 1
  
• Total eclipse as seen on the International Space Station
• Stunning Solar Eclipse Photo
• NASA compiles lunar eclipse pics since 1996 in honor of leap year