ATLANTA — In just one month residents in North Georgia, rain or shine, will witness daylight transition to dusk. It’s been 99 years since a total solar eclipse stretched from coast to coast here in the United States.
“These are extremely rare events, especially if you’re not traveling around the world to see it,” NASA scientist Dr. Noah Petro told Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan in a satellite interview.
Petro described the phenomenon as the cosmic tango.
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“For those of you fortunate enough to be in northeast Georgia on August 21st, you’ll get treated to a total solar eclipse, when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting its shadow upon the face of the Earth.”
This is called the path of totality, stretching from Oregon to South Carolina. This 70-mile-wide shadow will pass over Northeast Georgia, and neighbors in Blue Ridge, Blairsville and Helen will experience a total solar eclipse and a totally rare sight.
“You’ll see the solar corona, the heat of the atmosphere of the sun radiating behind the shadow of the moon. It’s going to be a spectacular sight, definitely the chance of a lifetime to see something unique,” Petro said.
For those outside that narrow path, like in Metro Atlanta, you’ll see a partial solar eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun’s disk. In Atlanta the sun will be 97 percent obscured.
Just after 2:30 p.m., when the eclipse will be at its maximum over North Georgia, the sky will resemble late dusk. For those in Northeast Georgia, 100 percent totality will last just a couple of minutes. The partial eclipse will last between 1 and 4 p.m.
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If you plan to watch the event, no matter where you are in North Georgia, remember safety first. Staring at the sun is dangerous. Special solar eclipse glasses allow you to safely view the eclipse. Click here for more information on the eclipse and safe viewing.