What Atlanta Can Expect To See During the Next Solar Eclipse

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, you will see a solar eclipse when the next major one passes through the United States—but it will be a partial eclipse, not a full one. How much of the Sun is covered, what time it happens, and how it will look from inside the Perimeter all depend on Atlanta’s location relative to the path of totality.

Below is a clear breakdown of how much of the eclipse Atlanta will see, when to look, and what it will be like from different parts of the metro area.

Will Atlanta See a Total Eclipse?

From Atlanta, the answer is no for most major eclipses that cross the U.S.—including the recent ones. The city typically sits south or east of the narrow “path of totality”, which is where a total solar eclipse (complete coverage of the Sun) is visible.

In Atlanta, you can usually expect a deep partial eclipse, meaning:

• The Sun is mostly covered, but not completely
• Daylight will dim, but it likely won’t get fully dark
• Streetlights may or may not come on, depending on how deep the partial coverage is
• You will only see the full “day-to-night” dramatic effect if you travel into the path of totality

For local planning, think of Atlanta as a very good spot for a partial eclipse, but not the place for full totality unless a rare future eclipse directly crosses North Georgia.

How Much of the Sun Will Be Covered in Atlanta?

For large, recent, and upcoming U.S. eclipses, Atlanta typically sees 70%–90% coverage of the Sun at maximum. The exact percentage depends on the eclipse and your exact location in the metro area.

Below is a simplified example of what Atlanta-area observers usually experience during a major eclipse compared with cities on the path of totality:

*Percentages vary by specific eclipse and exact position in the metro area.

From Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and most of the I‑285 corridor, the view is usually very similar: a partially “bitten” Sun, reaching a strong partial phase at peak.

When Will the Eclipse Happen in Atlanta?

Every eclipse has slightly different timing, but from Atlanta they generally follow this pattern:

1. First contact (start)
   The Moon begins to slide in front of the Sun. You’ll notice a small “bite” out of the solar disk through eclipse glasses.

2. Maximum eclipse (peak)
   This is when the greatest percentage of the Sun is covered from Atlanta’s perspective. The sky is at its dimmest, shadows look sharper and stranger, and temperatures may briefly cool.

3. Last contact (end)
   The Moon moves off the Sun. The Sun returns to its usual full disk.

For Atlanta, this whole process often lasts around 2 to 3 hours from first to last contact, with the peak somewhere near the middle of that window.

To get exact times for a specific eclipse for your Atlanta address or ZIP code, you can use:

• Online eclipse calculators or maps
• Smartphone astronomy apps that allow you to enter Atlanta, GA or your precise coordinates
• Local news and weather outlets, which typically publish Atlanta-specific eclipse times in the days leading up to the event

What the Eclipse Will Look Like From Different Parts of Atlanta

Within the Atlanta metro, the difference in coverage is small but real. Here’s what that usually means in practice:

Inside the Perimeter (ITP)

Areas like Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West End, Inman Park, Buckhead, Virginia-Highland, East Atlanta, and Decatur will all see very similar coverage—only a fraction of a percent difference in how much of the Sun is obscured.

• The Sun will look like a large crescent at maximum
• Noticeable but not complete dimming
• Great for rooftop viewing areas, parks, and school yards

Close Suburbs and I‑285 Corridor

Places like Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Smyrna, Tucker, Chamblee, East Point, College Park, and Doraville have nearly the same experience as central Atlanta.

• Expect almost identical maximum coverage
• Great viewing from parking lots, neighborhood parks, and school campuses

Outer Metro: North, South, East, and West

• North of the city (e.g., Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Duluth, Kennesaw):
  The view is often slightly closer to the path of totality in some eclipses, so you may gain a tiny bit more coverage, but not enough to turn Atlanta’s eclipse into totality.

• South of the city (e.g., Fayetteville, Peachtree City, McDonough, Jonesboro):
  Coverage may be slightly lower than Midtown, but still very similar visually.

• East and West (e.g., Douglasville, Lithonia, Conyers, Lawrenceville):
  Also see deep partial eclipses with nearly the same look as central Atlanta.

In everyday terms, if you can see the Sun safely with eclipse glasses anywhere in the Atlanta metro, you’ll experience almost the same show as someone across town.

How Dark Will It Get in Atlanta?

Because Atlanta is outside the path of totality, you should not expect full nighttime darkness. Instead, here’s what most people around Atlanta notice during a strong partial eclipse:

• Light takes on a strange, dimmed quality, especially around peak
• Shadows from trees and buildings may look sharper and crescent-shaped
• Temperatures can drop slightly for a short period
• The overall feeling is a bit like late afternoon or an approaching storm, but with a clear sky

You might not notice a dramatic change if you’re indoors and not looking at the windows, but outdoor observers usually feel the shift.

Can You See the Eclipse Without Leaving Atlanta?

Yes. You can see a significant partial eclipse perfectly well from Atlanta as long as:

• Skies are reasonably clear
• You have proper eclipse eye protection
• You are in an open area with a clear view of the Sun

If you want the full totality experience—stars appearing in the sky, the Sun’s corona visible, and deep twilight in the middle of the day—you would need to travel from Atlanta into the path of totality for that specific eclipse. That might mean a road trip of a few hours, depending on the path.

But for many residents, the convenience of watching a deep partial eclipse from home, school, work, or a local park is more than enough.

Safe Ways to Watch the Eclipse in Atlanta

Even though Atlanta only sees a partial eclipse, eye safety is the same as in the path of totality:

• Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection
• Regular sunglasses are not safe for eclipse viewing
• Use certified eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods

Some Atlanta-area institutions may provide safe viewing options, especially for major eclipses:

Possible Local Viewing Spots and Resources

While details change with each event, people in Atlanta often look to:

• Fernbank Science Center – 156 Heaton Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Tellus Science Museum (northwest of Atlanta, in Cartersville) – often hosts astronomy events
• Local colleges and universities (such as Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory University) which may set up telescopes with proper filters or host public viewing gatherings
• Atlanta Public Schools and nearby school districts, which sometimes organize student viewing events with proper protection

For any specific eclipse, local venues may announce:

• Whether they’re hosting a public viewing event
• If they’re providing eclipse glasses or filtered telescopes
• Exact times and best viewing guidance for Atlanta

Checking local event calendars, parks, or science organizations a few weeks in advance can help you find a safe, well-organized spot.

Weather Considerations for Eclipse Viewing in Atlanta

Atlanta’s weather can significantly affect what you actually see:

• Cloudy skies: You may see only quick breaks in the clouds or notice just the dimming of the daylight.
• Partly cloudy skies: Often give dramatic passing views as the Sun peeks out.
• Clear skies: Offer the best viewing across the metro.

Because the eclipse unfolds over several hours, even a partly cloudy day in Atlanta can still yield good views during some portion of the event.

Checking forecasts from local outlets focused on the city’s weather patterns (which can differ from North Georgia’s mountains or the coast) is useful when deciding where in Atlanta to set up.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Eclipse Watchers

• Atlanta will see a partial, not total, eclipse in most major events.
• You can typically expect a deep partial eclipse, with roughly 70%–90% of the Sun covered at maximum, depending on the event.
• The whole eclipse will last around 2–3 hours from first bite to last, with a clearly noticeable peak.
• The entire Atlanta metro area—from Downtown and Midtown to Marietta, Decatur, and College Park—will see almost the same level of coverage.
• It will get dimmer and cooler, but not fully dark like nighttime.
• You must use proper eclipse viewing protection at all times in Atlanta, since the Sun is never completely blocked here.
• For full totality, you would need to travel from Atlanta into the specific path for that eclipse, but for most people, staying in the city provides an impressive and memorable celestial show.

From office rooftops in Downtown to backyards in East Point or parks in Decatur, people in Atlanta can look forward to a dramatic partial eclipse that’s easy to experience without leaving the city—just be sure to plan ahead, watch the weather, and protect your eyes.