ATLANTA — Although the Peach State won't be in the path of totality when the Great American Solar Eclipse on April 8, we will have a partial eclipse.
At least 80 to 85% of the sun will be blocked as the moon travels between the Earth and the sun, causing the eclipse.
The path of totality will go through Mexico first, then into Texas, the Midwest and then up to the northeast. The path of totality is the prime spot to see when the moon travels between the Earth and the sun.
Here are some places around metro Atlanta where people can watch the eclipse:
Georgia Gwinnett College
The college will be hosting a viewing on April 8. It is encouraging the public to bring the proper protective eyewear to attend the viewing event at the college located on University Center Lane in Lawrenceville.
It is free and open to the public and begins at 1:30 p.m.
Fernbank Science Center
As part of the DeKalb County School District, the Fernbank Science Center will be hosting an event for students, families, staff and stake holders.
Employees and students were each issued the special solar glasses last week. The school will be in session remotely from home only rather than in-person classes that day. The district decided the closing would allow "for the creation of safe viewing and educational experiences related to the partial solar eclipse..."
Organizers said the event is from noon until 5 p.m.
The science center will also offer viewing stations with filtered telescopes, hands-on STEM activities and free planetarium shows.
Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station will be holding a viewing party from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Atlantic Green. The public is encouraged to attend. The special sunglasses will be available on a first come first serve basis.
Organizers will have a DJ, eclipse-themed adult beverage specials at participating restaurants and more.
West Georgia Jellystone Park
The park located in Breman will begin special activities surrounded around the eclipse and Spring Break starting on April 3 until April 7.
Park officials said during that time there will be activities including hayrides, foam parties, hula hoop competitions, scavenger hunts and more. The activities will start at 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
On the day of the eclipse, they will have a watch foam party at the pool and eclipse-themed activities. There will also be free eclipse glasses to watch the celestial event.
Cobb County Libraries
Some Cobb County libraries will join in on the eclipse fun on Monday at its Mableton, Kennesaw and Marietta locations
Here are the details for each.
- West Cobb Regional Library in Kennesaw will be holding its viewing party from 1:45 p.m. until 4 p.m. Protective glasses will be able per each family that attends. To learn more about this specific event click here.
- South Cobb Regional Library in Mableton will also be having its viewing from 1:45 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The proper glasses to view the event will be given to one pair per person. Click here for details.
- Switzer Library in Marietta will also hold its own party, but viewers will need to register here. It will be from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Organizers will have crafts and activities, and there will be one pair of protective viewing glasses per group
Smyrna Public Library
The public will be able to join the Smyrna Public Library for a viewing party of the solar eclipse.
Event organizers are encouraging the public to bring blankets and snacks to the Downtown Greenspace area located on Village Green Circle in Smyrna.
The event will start at 1:30 p.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.
Organizers added they will provide one free pair of eclipse glasses to the first 250 families.
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Although the park is further outside the metro Atlanta area, those who are closer to the area can enjoy the eclipse over Black Rock Mountain in Mountain City.
The event will happen from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Spectators will be able to learn more about the eclipse. Glasses will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Parking is $5 for those who are planning to attend.
Berry College
A viewing event is open to the public at Berry's Valhalla football stadium starting at 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. in Rome.
Those planning to attend will receive a viewing card instead of traditional glasses.
Solar telescopes will also be available to get a closer look at the celestial event.