The solar eclipse is almost here. Monday’s lunar event is the first time in 99 years that a total eclipse will cross the United States. Those living in one of the 14 states the spectacle will pass over are in for a treat: the moon will come between the sun and the earth, leaving a ring of light around its surface. Oregon will be first to see the eclipse, at 10:19 a.m. Pacific, and South Carolina will be last at 2:44 p.m. Eastern.
It’s an exciting moment. But as doomsday eclipse theorists declare the event as the end of the world, and stargazing fans develop ingenious ways to shield their eyes from the cosmic rays shining down, the internet has done what it does best and made some hilarious memes. Social media users have taken full advantage of the event to come up with some out-of-this-world takes on this rare astronomical phenomenon. Here are 21 of our favorites:
The creative sun tan
Passing the time
When you forget to prepare
The Simpsons weighs in
Coming through
In case you can’t see the eclipse
If you don’t get the right eye protection
Getting the right eye protection
Lookin’ good!
Improvising
What the optometrists are thinking
Get ready for a flood of photos!
