When Is the Next Eclipse in Atlanta? Key Dates, Times, and What to Expect

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering when the next solar or lunar eclipse will be visible, you’re not alone. Eclipses are big events here—schools, local parks, and Atlanta-area astronomy groups often plan watch parties, and traffic and viewing conditions can be a real consideration.

Below is a clear overview of upcoming eclipse dates and what they’ll look like from Atlanta, plus practical tips on when they happen, how much of the Sun or Moon you’ll see, and where around the city you might go to watch.

Quick Answer: The Next Major Eclipses Visible from Atlanta

Here is a simple overview of notable upcoming eclipses and what Atlantans can expect:

Specific clock times (start, peak, end) change slightly depending on your exact location in metro Atlanta and can shift with daylight saving time. Closer to any eclipse date, it’s best to check a current eclipse calculator or a trusted astronomy source using an Atlanta ZIP code such as 30303 or 30308.

Understanding Eclipses in Atlanta

Solar vs. Lunar Eclipses

From Atlanta, you’ll generally experience two kinds of events:

• Solar eclipses – the Moon passes in front of the Sun.

  • Seen during daytime.
  • Require eye protection to view safely.
  • In Atlanta, most Sun eclipses are partial, meaning the Sun is only partly covered.

• Lunar eclipses – the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.

  • Seen at night.
  • Safe to watch with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope.
  • From Atlanta, you may see total, partial, or penumbral lunar eclipses, depending on the year.

When Is the Next Solar Eclipse in Atlanta?

1. August 12, 2026 – Partial Solar Eclipse

Atlanta will see a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

• The Moon will cover part of the Sun, but not all of it.
• The event will unfold over a couple of hours around midday or early afternoon.
• The Sun will appear as if a chunk has been taken out of it at the maximum point.

What this means for you in Atlanta:

• Daylight will dim slightly, but it will not get fully dark.
• You’ll need proper solar eclipse glasses or a safe viewing method (such as a pinhole projector) to look at the Sun at any stage.

2. August 2, 2027 – Deeper Partial Solar Eclipse

On Monday, August 2, 2027, Atlanta experiences another partial solar eclipse.

• For Atlanta, it will be more noticeable than many minor partial eclipses.
• The Sun will appear more heavily covered, creating a more dramatic “bite” shape.

Even though some parts of the world will see a total eclipse that day, Atlanta will not be in the path of totality. You’ll still get an impressive partial show if skies are clear.

3. January 26, 2028 – Small Partial Solar Eclipse

On Wednesday, January 26, 2028, there will be an annular solar eclipse elsewhere on Earth. Atlanta, however, will see only a small partial eclipse.

• A small portion of the Sun will be covered.
• The change in daylight will be subtle, and many people might not notice unless they know it’s happening.

Will Atlanta Get Another Total Solar Eclipse?

Atlanta is not on the path of most total solar eclipses in the near future. For many residents, the closest total eclipses are:

• April 8, 2024 – Path crossed parts of Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio, and up into the Northeast. Many Atlantans traveled for this one.
• Future total eclipses may again pass hundreds of miles away, meaning travel is usually required if you want to experience totality.

From Atlanta itself, you should plan on mostly partial solar eclipses for the foreseeable future.

When Are Lunar Eclipses Visible from Atlanta?

Lunar eclipses happen more frequently and are often visible across large regions of the world, including Georgia when they occur at night for our time zone.

In Atlanta, you can expect:

• Total lunar eclipses (the “Blood Moon” look) every few years.
• Partial lunar eclipses a bit more often.
• Penumbral eclipses, which are very subtle and can be easy to miss without knowing the exact timing.

Because lunar eclipse visibility depends on whether they occur when it’s night in Atlanta, it’s useful to:

• Check a lunar eclipse calendar or
• Follow updates from local groups like:
  • Fernbank Science Center – 156 Heaton Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, phone typically listed via DeKalb County School District.
  • Fernbank Museum of Natural History – 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307.
  • Tellus Science Museum (in Cartersville, often promotes Atlanta-area viewing).

These institutions often share upcoming eclipse dates and viewing times tailored to metro Atlanta.

Typical Eclipse Timing in Atlanta (How the Day Unfolds)

While the exact times differ with each event, most solar eclipses in Atlanta follow this pattern:

1. First contact (start)

   • The Moon begins to pass in front of the Sun.
   • You’ll see a tiny “bite” on one edge of the Sun (with proper protection).

2. Maximum eclipse (peak coverage)

   • The Sun is as covered as it’s going to get for Atlanta.
   • Lighting is at its strangest; shadows may look sharper or oddly shaped.

3. Last contact (end)

   • The Moon moves fully off the Sun.
   • The Sun returns to its normal round shape.

🕒 How long it lasts:
From first contact to last, a partial eclipse over Atlanta usually lasts about 2–3 hours, though the maximum phase is much shorter.

Where to Watch an Eclipse in Atlanta

You don’t need a special ticket to see an eclipse in Atlanta, but you do need a clear view of the sky and safe viewing methods. Common local viewing spots include:

Public Places with Open Sky

• Piedmont Park – Large open fields with good views of the sky.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park
• Grant Park
• Westside Park
• Rooftop decks (apartment buildings, hotels, or public rooftop spaces that allow access).

If you go to a park:

• Arrive early, especially for major events, to find parking and a good spot.
• Bring shade, water, chairs, and eclipse glasses.

Educational and Astronomy-Focused Venues

These organizations often host or promote eclipse-related events:

• Fernbank Science Center
  156 Heaton Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Known for astronomy programs and a planetarium. They sometimes provide public viewing sessions for major sky events.

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Frequently organizes special programming around big astronomical events.

• Atlanta Astronomy Club (meets in the metro area)
  This is a community of amateur astronomers that often arranges group observing sessions in and around Atlanta when eclipses and other notable events occur.

For each specific eclipse, it’s wise to check a few weeks beforehand what events are being organized in the city.

Safety Tips for Watching an Eclipse in Atlanta

Atlanta often has clear, bright sun, especially in summer—great for viewing, but also risky for eyes if you look directly at the Sun.

Solar Eclipse Safety

• Never look directly at the Sun without proper solar viewing protection.
• Use ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses from a reputable source.
• Regular sunglasses, smoked glass, or improvised filters are not safe.
• If you have a telescope or binoculars, only use them with proper solar filters designed for that equipment.

Alternative safe methods:

• Pinhole projector – A simple DIY setup using cardboard that lets you watch the Sun’s image safely on the ground.
• Solar projection from binoculars or a telescope (if you know how to do so safely without damaging the equipment).

Lunar Eclipse Safety

• No special eye protection is needed.
• A dark spot away from city lights (or at least away from direct streetlights) in or near Atlanta will give you the best view.
• Light pollution in central Atlanta dims the fainter stars but the Moon during an eclipse is usually bright enough to be seen clearly.

Weather and Traffic Considerations in Atlanta

Weather

Atlanta’s weather can change quickly, especially in summer:

• Afternoon thunderstorms in warm months can block eclipse views.
• For midday solar eclipses, it can be helpful to have a backup location or be ready to move a short distance if clouds build.

Monitoring conditions:

• Check local forecasts for cloud cover specifically around the eclipse time.
• Sometimes driving to an area with slightly clearer skies (for example, east toward Stone Mountain or north toward Kennesaw or Gainesville) can improve your view.

Traffic and Logistics

For highly publicized eclipses:

• Expect heavier traffic near popular parks and museums.
• Consider MARTA if you’re heading to Midtown, Downtown, or Decatur-area viewing sites.
• Plan for parking time and walking if you choose large parks like Piedmont Park or Grant Park.

How to Find Exact Eclipse Times for Atlanta

Because each eclipse has precise timing that changes slightly with your location, the most reliable way to get up-to-the-minute details for Atlanta is to:

• Use an online eclipse calculator or mobile astronomy app set to a central Atlanta location (for example, a ZIP code like 30303, 30308, or 30309).
• Follow updates from:
  • National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office (covers metro Atlanta for weather conditions).
  • Local science centers and museums, which often publish Atlanta-specific start, maximum, and end times a few weeks in advance.

Look for information about:

• Start of eclipse (first contact) in Eastern Time.
• Maximum coverage (how much of the Sun is covered for Atlanta).
• End of eclipse (last contact).

What Atlantans Should Do Now

If you’re planning ahead for eclipses in Atlanta:

1. Mark the key dates – especially August 12, 2026, and August 2, 2027, for partial solar eclipses.
2. Set a reminder a month or two before each event to:
   • Check updated times for Atlanta specifically.
   • Confirm whether any local viewing events are scheduled.
3. Acquire safe solar viewing tools well before the date (they can sell out close to big events).
4. Scout your viewing spot:
   • A park, rooftop, or open area in the city where the Sun will be visible at that time of day.
5. Watch the weather starting a few days before the eclipse and adjust your plans within metro Atlanta if necessary.

Knowing when eclipses happen in Atlanta and what they’ll look like from here makes it much easier to enjoy them safely—and to decide whether you’ll simply step outside in Midtown for a partial eclipse or plan a bigger trip to experience totality in another region.