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Eclipse 2024 Guide: Viewing parties in metro Atlanta

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Updated  April 3, 2024 3:41pm EDT
Eclipses
FOX 5 Atlanta
article

ATLANTA - The next total solar eclipse, when the moon comes between us and the sun, is happening on April 8. The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and then cut through Mexico and cross the United States from Texas to Maine. Most of North America will see a partial eclipse, but many people will also be in the path of the total eclipse.

Unfortunately, the residents of Atlanta won't see a total solar eclipse. But, the partial solar eclipse will start at 1:45 p.m. Maximum coverage will occur at 3:04 p.m., and it will end at 4:21 p.m. At the maximum coverage point, the moon will cover 80 to 85% of the sun in Atlanta. 

There will be several viewing parties/events in the metro Atlanta area. You can find a list below. 

Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties

The West Atlanta Watershed Alliance is hosting a Solar Eclipse viewing party from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 8 at the Historic Atlanta Black Crackers Practice Field, 1401 Bridges Ave. Solar glasses will be available while supplies last. 

Stone Mountain Park is hosting a Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing Event on top of the mountain. The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Guests can either use the walk-up trail or ride the Summit Skyride to the top of the mountain for the best eclipse viewing spot in Atlanta! If planning to use the Skyride, be sure to arrive early. Tickets for the Summit Skyride will be available at the park. A limited quantity of eclipse viewing glasses will also be available for purchase. Daily or annual parking pass also needed for entry to the park.

Fernbank Science Center is hosting an Eclipse Fest from noon to 5 p.m. April 8. There will be free eclipse viewers, food trucks on-site, free hands-on activities, free planetarium shows, and more.

Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville is hosting a solar eclipse viewing event on April 8. Dr. Paul Camp and Dr. Amy Turner, assistant professors of physics at GGC, will host the viewing of the eclipse at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to meet on campus outside of the Daniel J. Kaufman Library and Learning Center. Both professors will share information about the eclipse as part of the viewing experience. 

Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville is hosting a Partial Solar Eclipse viewing event from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 8. The observatory will be open for guests to view the spectacle with their solar telescope (weather permitting). They will also have live views of totality from other locations via NASA's stream in their theater. There will also be hands-on activities for children. 

ALL THE METRO ATLANTA GUIDES

Smyrna Public Library is hosting an Eclipse Party on the Downtown Greenspace from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 8. The library will provide free eclipse glasses to the first 250 families. Bring blankets and snacks. Enjoy crafts and science experiments during the event.

FULTON COUNTY LIBRARIES

  • Central Library at One Margaret Mitchell Square is hosting a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party from 1 to 5 p.m. April 8. There will be a livestream and eclipse glasses (limited supply). 
  • The Northside Branch will also host a viewing party from 1:15 to 4 p.m. April 8. They will be showing NASA's livestream. No glasses needed. 
  • The Washington Park Branch will host a viewing party from 1:45 p.m. to 3L39 p.m. Solar eclipse glasses provided while supplies last. Refreshements will be served. Reservations requested. 
  • The Lake Claire Community Land Trust is hosting a family-friendly event from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 8 to celebrate the solar eclipse. There will be a potluck and drum circle. A $10 donation is requested per adult. 

COBB COUNTY LIBRARIES

  • West Cobb Regional Library in Kennesaw will host a viewing party starting at 1:45 p.m. One pair of glasses per family will be provided. There will also be crafts for the entire family.
  • South Cobb Regional Library will host a viewing party from 1:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring your picnic blankets to watch the partial eclipse on the back lawn. Eclipse glasses provided while supplies last. 
  • Switzer Library in Marietta is hosting a solar eclipse event from 2 to 4 p.m. April 8. There will be crafts and activities and solar eclipse glasses for those attending. Registration is required.

Doghobble Wine Farm in Dahlonega is hosting an Eclipse Party from 1 to 6 p.m. on April 8. The party will feature wine crafted to celebrated the eclipse, Moonwobble and Saros, aged in the vineyard barrels in South Georgia. Tickets include wine tasting, a Doghobble Wine Farm stemless wine glass, eclipse sunglasses and light appetizers by local chef Belen de la Cruz.  

The Happy Black Parent is hosting an informal outdoor meetup from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. April 8 near the Atlanta BeltLine entrance at Pittsburgh yards. The group plans to enjoy the trail, play on the James Bridges Field, and watch the 2024 solar eclipse. The ticket includes a pair of solar eclipse glasses, a solar eclipse info card, and solar eclipse-inspired activity sheets. 

OTHER SOLAR ECLIPSE ARTICLES

Outside Atlanta

Berry College in Mount Berry will provide the opportunity for everyone in the Rome and Floyd County area to safely view the partial solar eclipse. The viewing event will take place at Berry's Valhalla football stadium from 1:30 to 4 p.m. All attendees will receive an eclipse viewing card. They will also have two solar telescopes. 

Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City is hosting a solar viewing event. Learn about the eclipse and then watch it between 2 and 4 p.m. Eclipse glasses will be provided while supplies last. Meet at the Black Rock Overlook. $5 parking fee. 

Related events

Vinings Library is hosting an Eclipse Workshop from 2 to 3 p.m. March 30. Learn all about how eclipses happen. This workshop will be taught by a NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassador and will be fun and engaging for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages. Every participant will receive a FREE pair of solar glasses! 

The Healing Space on Parkway Drive Northeast and Ameater Boatwright are hosting A Moon Celebration on the Solar Eclipse from 5 to 10:30 p.m. April 6. There will be music, art, and good vibes. 

If you would like to submit an event for this list, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.