Travel | July 17, 2017 5:00 am

Charting Flightpath to See Once-in-a-Lifetime Solar Eclipse

Some airports are offering space for private jets in the path of the astronomical event.

This combination of photos shows an annular solar eclipse, as seen from the Estancia El Muster, near Sarmiento, Chubut province, 1600 kilometres south of Buenos Aires on February 26, 2017. (ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP/Getty Images)

By Rebecca Gibian

Generally occurring only once a generation, a total solar eclipse is one of the most dramatic astronomical events seen by the naked eye. The next one is happening Monday, August 21, and will only be witnessed over a relatively narrow band of the United States.

Therefore, a few locations across the country — from Oregon to South Carolina — have been targeted by private jet travelers in search of the best view of the phenomena.

Robb Report flagged three airports in Missouri that offer space and a great view.

Rosecrans Memorial Airport: Located in St. Joseph, Mo., it is one of the official watch sites. The airport will feature noted astronomer and writer Dr. Michael Bakich, and a number of high-power telescopes. It is first come, first serve, and the annual Trails West festival will be extended for visitors.

Perryville Municipal Airport: This spot can accommodate 120 airplanes and is accepting private flight reservations. The eclipse will last for 2 minutes and 40 seconds — only 1.6 seconds less than the maximum time visible. The town, Perryville, Mo., is also hosting SolarFest, a weekend party that will have concerts, parades, food and more.

Columbia Regional Airport: You can also make a reservation here, in Columbia, Mo. After landing, you should head over to either Cosmo Park, where there will be food trucks and live music, Gans Creek Recreational Facility for a scientific-focused festivities.

What about those who don’t have a private jet? No problem. Alaska Airlines has scheduled an invite-only charter flight that offers a rarified perspective. The flight will go leave Portland and will fly 35,000 feet over the Oregon cost.

One passenger and a guest will be selected from an Alaska Airlines social media contest that is scheduled to being July 21.

This solar eclipse will take when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun from sight, except for a faint coronal glow.

The Great American Eclipse is part of the Solar Saros 145 cycle, which delivers 77 solar eclipses. The eclipses are spaced apart by 18 years and 11 days. The last event was on August 11, 1999 and was mainly seen in Europe.