(CNN) - Oregonians are set to be the first ones in the United States to witness the solar eclipse and some have paid a whopping $2,000 for a simple luxury: unobstructed views.

In an auction, 30 bidders paid $500 a night instead of the standard $28 to camp at a state park in Oregon during the "Great American Eclipse" weekend. What's with all the hype?

On August 21, the day will turn into night. Just like in a sci-fi movie, shadows will cover America and people will turn their heads to the sky.

It's been 99 years since a total solar eclipse crossed the US from the Pacific to the Atlantic. For those wondering, and before you turn to Google, that means that the moon will pass between the sun and the Earth.

If you are in the eclipse's 70-mile path of "totality" -- from Portland, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina -- you will see the sun completely blocked for up to 2 minutes and 40 seconds, NASA says.

Sounds like a once in a lifetime event, don't you think?

Poster Comment:

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