The Perseids show up every year, right on schedule. But a solar eclipse crossing into Europe, and a partial lunar eclipse (the latter of which we get to watch start to finish from our own backyard), those don’t come around nearly as often. Get outside for both kinds!

A total solar eclipse will darken the skies on Wednesday. Here’s who gets to see it — and why.

If you're planning on watching the eclipse, you'll need a pair of solar eclipse glasses. Be wary, there are plenty of solar eclipse glasses available, especially on Amazon, but you must make sure they're ISO 12312-2 Certified for the safest eye protection. The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved manufacturers you can verify too.

A total solar eclipse is nearing and expected to put on a show for millions, as some people around the world could experience total darkness.

For the United States, the event begins at 7:34 a.m. Alaska Standard Time and ends on the East Coast at 2:52 p.m. ET. To zero in on your specific area's times, visit Timeanddate.com and enter your city or ZIP code.

Firm urges customers to avoid running washing machines and dishwashers between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday