This August marks the first time in 99 years that the path of a total solar eclipse will cross the US from coast to coast. In this talk I will describe eclipses in general throughout the solar system, and then focus on the cycles that govern our own Earth/Moon/Sun system, with an eye as to how the upcoming eclipse fits into these patterns. I'll summarize briefly what you should expect to see and where you should go. There is another one in 7 years, which is why the title says 'Part I'.