Americans across the country will get to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event next month

On August 21, Americans in a 70 mile band across the country will be able to see something that hasn’t happened since 1918: a coast-to-coast total solar eclipse.

Starting in Lincoln City, Oregon, and ending in Columbia, South Carolina, the New York Post reports that hotel rooms are selling out, with some motels going as high as $1000 a night. Scientists and experienced viewers recommend the lucky 12.2 million who live in the band should head to a public park to see it.

Fourteen American states are within the belt of visibility. Scientists and optometrists alike state the process of the eclipse must be viewed through protective eye wear to reduce the risk of blindness. The moon’s shadow does not reduce the brightness of what’s left of the sun, so staring or filming it on your phone -- on the way in or out of an eclipse -- is as dangerous as staring at a full one.

Mike Opelka expressed a desire to take his show, “Pure Opelka,” to Nashville, Tennessee, on the day. The eclipse will be visible there for a full two minutes and 44 seconds. “You know that people will freak out,” he predicted.

To see more from Mike, visit his channel onTheBlaze and listen live to “Pure Opelka” weekdays 7–10 p.m. ET & Saturdays 6–9 a.m. ET, only on TheBlaze Radio Network.