Georgia is not in the path of the total eclipse that will be happening this afternoon, but a partial eclipse will be evident around 1:45 this afternoon.  However, our part of the state will see more of the eclipse than anywhere else in the Peach State.

The path of the 2024 Solar Eclipse will be in a path from Texas to Maine.  Places like Dallas, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas, Cleveland, Ohio and Montreal in Canada will see a total eclipse.

Here in Northwest Georgia, over 85% of the sun will be covered by the moon during this afternoon’s eclipse.  According to Eclipse.org, the Georgia community that will experience the highest effect of the eclipse will be Cole City, an area in Dade, County that borders Alabama and Tennessee.

Tips for viewing a total solar eclipse

• Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it’s not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
• Remember, sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe.
• Keep in mind: eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses – regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the sun.

Cautions

• Use only approved solar eclipse viewers. The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as ” eclipse glasses” or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing.
• Inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use – if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard them.
• Only within the path of totality—and once the moon completely blocks the sun—can eclipse viewers safely be removed to view totality.