North America will witness a total solar eclipse today, but some corners of the continent will have a better view of the natural phenomenon than others. 

Sadly for Canadians, the path of totality — where the sun will be completely eclipsed by the moon’s shadow for a couple of minutes — lies well to the south of us, passing through Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina. It’s the first time since 1918 that a visible total eclipse will cross the entire United States, from coast to coast, so cities and towns along the path of totality are preparing for an onslaught of tourists, but if you don’t have the time or the budget to get yourself to Casper, Wyo., Idaho Falls, Idaho, or Nashville, Tenn., and still want to see the celestial event in all its spooky glory, you’re in luck. 

NASA has planned a full suite of programming that can be streamed for free online, including live views of the eclipse and coverage of various related events on the ground. And, most Canadians will be able to see at least a partial eclipse (weather permitting, of course) with places like Vancouver, Lethbridge, Alta. and Windsor, Ont. positioned for about 80 per cent obscuration. The map graphic below will give you a rough idea of the predicted magnitude of the eclipse in your area: