Events on the horizon.

 

July 22
There Goes the Sun
Crowds in Asia will be shielding their eyes for up to six and a half minutes during a total solar eclipse that will cut a path across Central India, China, Nepal, Bangladesh and Japan’s Ryukyu Islands. The longest since 1991, this eclipse won’t be eclipsed in length until 2132.

July 26
The Need for Speedo
Having recently broken his fifth world swimming record, Michael Phelps’ appears ready to challenge the best at the 2009 Swimming World Championships in Rome. After eight gold medals in Beijing last year, the American will seek medals in no fewer than three events.

July 27
Vikings at the Gates
Reeling from its recent economic collapse, Iceland will submit its application for EU membership to bring the much-needed stability of the Euro to the island’s shores. After years of opposing membership, Iceland hopes for a speedy negotiation, with accession coming as early as 2011.

July 27
Scare Them Skinny
The CDC will host the first-ever Weight of the Nation conference, dedicated to combating the country’s obesity epidemic. Policy makers will hope they did not bite off more than they could chew in addressing a problem that affects over 33 percent of Americans and costs the nation $117 billion per year.

July 30
Sparkle and Bite
Between the return of HBO’s True Blood and tabloid surrounding Twilight stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, those tiring of super trendy vampires can be forgiven–but they won’t get their way. Next up: TwiCon 2009, purportedly the country’s largest gathering of Stephanie Meyers devotees.

August 7
A Real American Hero
After a summer of blockbuster openings, including record-setting returns for the Transformers and Harry Potter, G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra will look to close out the season with another winner. Blank-faced Channing Tatum and Dennis Quaid will battle unlikely villains Sienna Miller and Joseph Gordon Levitt.

August 10
Congress Takes a Break
Though Democrats may be loath to relinquish control when Congress goes on its month-long summer recess, President Obama hopes to have Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor confirmed and a new health care bill voted on and sent to the White House for approval before the break.

August 15
40 years of Peace and Love
After the last two Woodstock concerts descended into violence and destruction, organizers are hoping to renew the spirit of 1969 by taking a different tack. Instead of contemporary groups playing aggressive music, the lineup will feature Jefferson Starship, Canned Heat and more “Heroes of Woodstock.”