photo credit: eclipse.siu.edu
The first total solar eclipse to cross the entire United States in almost 100 years will be taking place Monday, August 21, 2017. And we here in Georgia get a prime spot to view the total eclipse as it crosses the northern part of the state.
The AJC reports: “According to NASA, the center-line path of totality — where the moon completely blocks the sun, the earth goes dark and the sun’s corona shimmers in the blackened sky — will stretch from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina, and will last up to 2 minutes and 41.6 seconds.”
Path of the Great American Eclipse via NASA
While folks in Atlanta will be able to see a short partial eclipse from spots in the city, many of us are planning to head north to see the full eclipse. Chase’s school will be doing field trips by grade level to spots in the path of the total eclipse to watch; and I plan on finding a good spot with some friends to watch.
365 Atlanta Family has a great list of north Georgia peaks and open spots where you can get the best unobstructed view of this phenomenon. They have included the times as the eclipse progresses across the state as well as links to state parks and resorts to help with planning. Rabun County is the most directly affected spot in Georgia and there are a lot of events planned in the days around the eclipse to commemorate it.
If you’re unable to make it out of the city (or have family members outside the eclipse path), don’t worry: NASA will be live-streaming the eclipse! They have set up a special website with lots of great info about the science as well as tips to get the most out of the experience.
It’s important to remember to take precautions to protect your eyes when viewing the eclipse, even if you are planning to see the partial eclipse. Protective glasses or indirect viewing methods will keep your eyes safe during this unique event.
Are any of you planning to travel to see the Great American Eclipse? Let us know where you’re headed or any tips for finding the best spot to view in the comments!
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