Solar Eclipses in Atlanta: Key Dates, Times, and What to Expect

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and wondering “When is the solar eclipse in Atlanta?”, the answer depends on which eclipse you mean. Atlanta does not sit directly in the path of most total solar eclipses, but the city regularly experiences partial solar eclipses that are still impressive and worth planning for.

Below is a clear guide to upcoming solar eclipses visible from Atlanta, what they will look like, and how to view them safely.

When Is the Next Solar Eclipse in Atlanta?

The next solar eclipses that people in Atlanta are likely to care about are:

Exact local times and coverage amounts can vary slightly by location and are best checked again as the date approaches.

Atlanta is not in the direct path of totality for these events, but you will still see the Moon take a “bite” out of the Sun if the weather cooperates.

Has Atlanta Recently Had a Solar Eclipse?

2017 Total Solar Eclipse (Nearby, but Not Over Atlanta)

On August 21, 2017, a famous total solar eclipse crossed the United States. Atlanta was outside the path of totality, but:

• Atlanta saw a deep partial eclipse (most, but not all, of the Sun was covered).
• Many Atlantans drove north into northeast Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina to experience totality.

This event is a good example of what to expect when a major eclipse passes near, but not directly over, the city: Atlanta enjoys a strong partial eclipse, and eclipse-chasers may choose to travel a few hours to get the full totality experience.

Will Atlanta Ever See a Total Solar Eclipse?

Total solar eclipses are rare for any one city. Over decades and centuries, the path of totality shifts around the globe, and many locations never experience one in a typical lifetime.

For the foreseeable future:

• Atlanta is much more likely to see partial solar eclipses than a total solar eclipse directly overhead.
• If a future total eclipse path comes close, Atlantans would likely need to drive or travel to get into the narrow band of totality.

For most residents and visitors, planning around partial solar eclipses visible from Atlanta is the practical approach.

What a Solar Eclipse Looks Like in Atlanta

In Atlanta, a partial solar eclipse usually appears as:

• The Sun looking like a crescent or having a “bite” taken out of one side.
• Daylight dimming slightly, especially during deeper partial coverage.
• Shadows on the ground appearing a bit sharper and sometimes showing crescent-shaped patterns under trees.

Because Atlanta is not typically in the totality zone:

• The sky will not go completely dark.
• You will not see the full solar corona (the white outer atmosphere of the Sun) from Atlanta itself.
• You must use proper eye protection at all times when looking at the Sun.

Typical Eclipse Timing in Atlanta

Each eclipse has its own schedule, but in Atlanta you can expect three main phases:

1. Start (First Contact)

   • The Moon just begins to move across the Sun.
   • The Sun still looks almost normal to the naked eye, which is why proper filters are critical from the very beginning.

2. Maximum Eclipse

   • The greatest coverage of the Sun for Atlanta.
   • The Sun looks like a thick crescent or a large arc depending on how deep the eclipse is.

3. End (Last Contact)

   • The Moon moves off the Sun’s disk.
   • The Sun gradually returns to its normal round appearance.

For each specific eclipse, local timing will be given in Eastern Time. Checking again a few days before the event is wise, since forecasts and community viewing plans can change.

Where to Watch a Solar Eclipse in Atlanta

You can watch a solar eclipse from almost anywhere in Atlanta with a clear view of the Sun. Popular options include:

Public Parks and Open Spaces

Large open areas reduce building and tree obstruction:

• Piedmont Park – Midtown Atlanta, wide open lawns and big sky views.
• Grant Park – Southeast Atlanta, several open sections good for sky watching.
• Freedom Park – Eastside, with long stretches of open trails.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Some good vantage points away from tall buildings.

Always consider:

• The direction of the Sun (usually to the south in the sky).
• Tall buildings, trees, and hills that might block your view at key times.

Educational and Science-Focused Venues

Local science-focused venues may host viewing events or offer educational programming:

• Fernbank Science Center
  156 Heaton Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  They often provide astronomy-related programming and may organize public viewing or information sessions around major celestial events.

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Occasionally offers space and science programs that tie into big sky events.

• Emory University Planetarium (Emory University campus)
  May host talks or educational programs when significant eclipses occur.

If you’re planning to attend a special event, it’s wise to check schedules and availability in advance, as programs can vary from one eclipse to another.

How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely in Atlanta

Never Look Directly at the Sun Without Proper Protection

Looking directly at the Sun, even during a partial eclipse, can seriously damage your eyes. In Atlanta, where you will almost always be viewing a partial eclipse:

• Do not look at the Sun through sunglasses, regular glasses, or unfiltered binoculars or cameras.
• Do not look through smoked glass, exposed film, or improvised filters.

Safe Viewing Options

Here are common, accessible options for Atlantans:

• Eclipse glasses 😎
  Special glasses with lenses designed for direct solar viewing. They must meet strict safety standards for viewing the Sun. These are sometimes distributed before major eclipses at:

  • Libraries
  • Science centers
  • Community events

• Solar viewers or solar filters
  Handheld viewers or solar filters that fit over telescopes, cameras, or binoculars. These must be designed for solar observing.

• Pinhole projectors and indirect viewing
  You can project the image of the Sun onto a surface using:

  • A pinhole in a piece of cardboard.
  • A colander or even leaves from a tree (which naturally create multiple pinhole-like projections on the ground).

Indirect viewing is a simple, low-cost option for families, classrooms, and group events across Atlanta.

Planning Ahead for an Eclipse Day in Atlanta

To make the most of a solar eclipse in Atlanta:

1. Check the Date and Local Times

• Mark the date of the eclipse on your calendar.
• A few days beforehand, confirm:
  • Start time
  • Maximum coverage time
  • End time
• Plan where you’ll be during those times (work, school, home, or a viewing event).

2. Watch the Weather

Cloud cover can affect what you see:

• Atlanta’s weather can shift quickly, especially in summer.
• On eclipse day, keep an eye on the cloud forecast and be prepared to move to a more open area if you need a clearer view.

3. Prepare Your Viewing Equipment

Before the eclipse:

• Make sure your eclipse glasses or solar viewers are in good condition (no scratches, tears, or damage).
• If you plan to use a camera or telescope:
  • Attach proper solar filters designed for that device.
  • Never look through optical equipment pointed at the Sun without a solar filter in place.

4. Consider Community and Educational Events

Many Atlantans enjoy watching eclipses in a group setting:

• Check with local schools, colleges, libraries, and science centers to see if they plan public viewing opportunities.
• Public events often provide:
  • Shared equipment
  • Basic explanations of what’s happening
  • A safe, structured environment for families and students

What Kids and Families in Atlanta Should Know

Solar eclipses can be exciting learning moments for children:

• Explain the basics:
  The Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and blocks part of the Sun’s light.
• Practice safety:
  Emphasize that they must never look at the Sun without proper eye protection, even if it seems dimmer.
• Try simple projects:
  • Build a pinhole projector at home or at school.
  • Watch how shadows change under trees in your yard, on your street, or at a nearby park in Atlanta.

Teachers and youth leaders in the Atlanta area can use eclipse days to connect science lessons with a real event happening right over the city.

Quick Answers: Solar Eclipses in Atlanta

Is Atlanta in the path of totality for upcoming eclipses?
No. In the near future, Atlanta will experience partial solar eclipses, not a total one directly overhead.

Will I still see something interesting in Atlanta?
Yes. You will see the Moon cover part of the Sun, creating a noticeable “bite” or crescent shape in the Sun’s disk.

Do I need to travel for a total eclipse?
If you want to experience totality (the sky darkening fully, stars appearing, and the Sun’s corona visible), you will need to travel from Atlanta into the specific path of totality for that particular eclipse.

Is it safe to watch a solar eclipse from Atlanta?
It can be safe if you only view the Sun with proper solar filters or indirect viewing methods and follow basic eye safety guidance.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, solar eclipses are memorable sky events that are worth planning around. Knowing when they occur, how they will look from Atlanta, and how to view them safely will help you enjoy each one when it comes.