Solar eclipse parties are an actual thing - here's how Americans are celebrating

  • Published
Solar eclipseImage source, Getty Images

Millions of people will look to the sky in America on Monday and see a solar eclipse.

When the moon briefly blocks out the sun, it will draw one of the largest audiences in human history, according to experts.

Add those watching via social media and live streaming services and the spectacle is set to smash records.

But instead of just going out to your garden to see it, people are hosting eclipse parties.

Yes, these people are actually having cosmic parties with themed food and handing out special glasses for viewing.

Here is a tweet from Susan about the intergalactic party at her work. , external

Some Americans are preparing meals of sun tea and moon pies in celebration of the once in 100 years event.

Christian tweeted to say he was ready with his sun chips. , external

Here is a tweet from Daniel with some top tips on keeping your eclipse party healthy. , external

Darrell summed it up pretty well by tweeting a list of solar inspired snacks. , external

Many people have taken to social media to say how much they are really looking forward to seeing the special event.

Here is a tweet from Gabrielle saying how excited she is about going to one., external

There are plenty of solar system tunes to play at the parties. Spotify has made a six-hour eclipse-inspired playlist.

Nasa let its interns pick out some of the best tunes to listen to, including Galaxies by Owl City.

Here is the playlist tweeted by the NASA interns. , external

So many songs to choose from, even NPR wrote an article about eclipse play lists., external

And there is even eclipse merchandise.

Dan tweeted to say he'd seen eclipse T-shirts being sold. , external

Celebrities are getting involved, too.

Here is a tweet from Paris Hilton about the special eclipse glasses. , external

Another star has aligned with this rare astronomical event.

Passengers on board a Caribbean cruise ship will be treated to a performance of the apt song A Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler, right at the time of the eclipse.

It was a hit for her back in 1983 and Joe Jonas will also be there.

CNN tweeted this sneak peek of her performance before the event., external

Oh and of course animals can't miss out.

Here is a tweet with a dog wearing eclipse glasses. , external

Apparently your eyes can get damaged if you don't wear them, and there are warnings over counterfeits going around.

Here's a tweet with some serious advice for eclipse party-goers. , external

Some places are taking it really seriously, like this tweet from the University of Central Arkansas. , external

Even McDonalds is selling eclipse glasses, according to this tweet. , external

Find us on Instagram at BBCNewsbeat, external and follow us on Snapchat, search for bbc_newsbeat, external