On April 8, the greatest show on Earth will once again captivate millions as a total solar eclipse races across North America. The moon will perfectly position itself between Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking the sunlight and turning day into night. The eclipse will begin in the Pacific, cross into Mexico, and cut through Texas on a northeasterly path through 15 states before heading out over Canada and the North Atlantic. Totality will last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, allowing spectators to soak in the wonder of the cosmic event, weather permitting.

Eclipse mapmaker Michael Zeiler described the sight of a total solar eclipse as stunning, as it reveals the sun's corona - a sight hidden from us all our lives except for the precious moments of totality. Even scientists like NASA's Kelly Korreck have found themselves in awe, with Korreck admitting that there may have been tears of joy the first time she witnessed a total solar eclipse.

While full solar eclipses occur every year or two in remote locations like the Arctic or Antarctica, the last time totality crisscrossed the U.S. was in 2017. After April's event, the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. won't occur until 2045, with totality lasting for six full minutes. The selection of this event was curated by AP photo editor Patrick Sison in New York, and the Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. Follow AP visual journalism on Instagram, Twitter, and their blog for updates on this mesmerizing celestial event.