ATLANTA — During next month's "Great American Solar Eclipse," parts of the U.S. will get to experience totality -- when the sun's disc is completely covered by the moon.
The corona, the sun's outer atmosphere, will be visible during totality. During that short time, people in the path of totality will be able to take their eye protection off and view what only few ever do.
A total solar eclipse is rare. On average, about two to three total solar eclipses occur each year on earth, But for any given point on earth, the time between total solar eclipses runs closer to once every 300 years!
A total solar eclipse is one of only four types of solar eclipses that we can have on Earth! Each provides an opportunity to experience science.
Here's a little more on the other types of solar eclipses, and when Atlanta will next experience a total eclipse.
On April 8, Atlanta will experience a partial solar eclipse. This is when only part of the sun's disc is covered up by the moon. It reveals a crescent shape in the sky. Eye protection must be worn the entire time.
Partial eclipses are the most common type of eclipse, because it occurs during total, annual, and hybrid eclipses outside the path of the maximum eclipse.
Let's break down those other two types:
An Annular Solar Eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, but this time at it's furthest point from earth.
That means, it doesn't completely cover the sun. But rather, it creates a dark disk surrounded by what looks like a ring. This type of eclipse passed over the Pacific Northwest down to Texas last fall.
During a Hybrid Solar Eclipse, the eclipse switches between an annular and total solar eclipse as it moves across the earth. This occurs because the earth is curved!
Georgia's Next Total Solar Eclipse
Here in Georgia, although we will have multiple opportunities to see a partial solar eclipse in the future, we'll have to wait a while for our next total solar eclipse.
In 2045, a total solar eclipse will pass through southwest Georgia. More than 90% of the sun will be covered in Atlanta.
In the Atlanta area, we'll have to wait more than 50 years for a total solar eclipse! On May 11, 2078, a total solar eclipse will pass through the heart of the city. All of the metro area will be in the path of totality.