Where to Watch the Solar Eclipse in Atlanta

Get ready to watch the Total Solar Eclipse on Aug. 21. This rare event doesn’t occur often – the earth, sun and moon perfectly line up and, for a moment, the moon will completely block the sun. According to Dr. James Sowell, an astronomer at the School of Physics at Georgia Tech, “An almost total eclipse passed over Atlanta in 1984, and a partial eclipse was visible in 1998.”

The first point of contact will be seen in Lincoln Beach, Ore. at 9:05 a.m. PDT and it will cross through the United States until it reaches Charleston, S.C. at 2:48 p.m. EDT. Visit eclipse2017.nasa.gov for more information. Sowell says the best local point to view the eclipse is the northeast corner of Georgia, in places such as Clayton, Blairsville or Hiawassee. Visit eclipse2017.org for the complete map. Fortunately, Atlanta will also have good visibility (95 percent) and according to CNN, the temperature will drop and daylight will appear dim. Have your eclipse glasses prepared around 2:30 p.m.

Other great vantage points include Tennessee and Kentucky. “The answer boils down to which sites are clear,” Sowell says. The Aug. 21 total solar eclipse is a must-see because the same path will not occur for some time. “In order for the path of totality to be extremely close to the same spot, it is about 360 to 400 years. But in the next 35 years, there are only three total solar eclipses that will cross the U.S.,” Sowell says.

Remember: The only safe way to look directly towards the uneclipsed or partially-eclipsed sun is through special purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses.” NASA suggests these brands: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical and TSE 17.

Events: 

Total Eclipse Takeover
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Aug. 19-21.
In honor of the total solar eclipse, enjoy storytimes, a glow in the dark dance party and a spaceship craft.

The Great American Eclipse 
Fernbank Science Center
Aug. 21. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Live feeds of the eclipse, talks with astronomers, filtered telescope for viewing and more.

Solar Eclipse Viewing
Chattachoochee Nature Center
Aug. 21. 2 p.m.
Head to CNC and catch a glimpse of the Solar Eclipse. Solar viewing glasses provided by Charlie Bates Astronomy Project (while supplies last).

Historic Solar Eclipse Event 
Stone Mountain Park
Aug. 21. 1-3 p.m.
View the eclipse from the top of Stone Mountain.  Advance purchases of the Historic Pass for Monday will include complimentary commemorative solar eclipse glasses. Park staff will also be on site to pass out solar eclipse information.

Solar Eclipse Over Tellus 
Tellus Science Museum
Aug. 21. 1-4 p.m.
Safely view the eclipse in the Tellus Observatory and on the Museum lawn through smaller telescopes. In the Bentley Planetarium, catch a showing of “Totality” to learn more about eclipses.

Solar Eclipse Watch Party 
Dunwoody Senior Baseball Fields
Aug. 21. 1-4 p.m.
Hosted by the Dunwoody Nature Center, bring a lawn chair and head to the field to watch the eclipse. They will provide glasses while supplies last.

State Park Events: 

Visit the state parks event calendar for more events and ideas.

Solar Eclipse Festival 
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Aug. 21. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate this rare solar eclipse with lawn games, children’s play areas, music, a food truck, pedal boats, kayaks and a sun-and-moon selfie spot.

Total Eclipse of the Park
Vogel State Park
Aug. 21. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Arts and crafts: kids can make their own pinhole camera for $1; color changing bracelet for $2; and make their own eclipse book for free. Then learn how to be safe when watching, and see the eclipse happen.

Eclipse Excursion 
Panola Mountain State Park
Aug. 21. 1-4 p.m.
Guided hike up the mountain to see the eclipse. This is a moderately-strenuous hike covering approximately three miles, with significant elevation changes and uneven terrain. Ages 10 and up. Meet at the Nature Center.

Also, check with your local library for eclipse-viewing events.