The Great Atlanta 97% Solar Eclipse

As you may have read/heard, there will be a total solar eclipse visible across a narrow band of the United States on Monday, August 21. There currently are three terrific, popular out-of-town AOC events that will be heading to a viewing location that hopefully will provide a view of the total eclipse.

This event provides a close-to-home viewing alternative. The metro Atlanta area is expected to be treated to an eclipse that will approach 97% blockage of the sun at its peak. While that won't provide the special effects created by viewing a total eclipse, it still should provide some worthwhile sights if the weather (i.e, clouds) cooperates. Worst case, we'll get in a nice hike.

The plan is to stop periodically during the hike to take in the partial eclipse at various points of the moon's journey across the sun. This also will give us different perspectives of the eclipse based on our location at the time (partial tree cover vs. open areas, etc.). We'll start at the Kennesaw Mountain Visitors Center; the tentative plan is to climb over the mountain and then return on the trail that goes around the mountain but we may switch it up depending on viewing opportunities. The hike is rated a D3.

Watching a partial solar eclipse requires a special viewing device. I will provide attendees with eclipse glasses to use during the hike. They are ISO- and CE-certified for safely viewing a partial solar eclipse.

Please note:

* While this event hopefully will provide an interesting perspective of the partial eclipse, it's not a substitute for seeing the total eclipse. It's designed for those who are not able or inclined to devote a full day to traveling to a total eclipse location. If that's what you really want to do, or if you're on a total eclipse event wait list hoping to get added, this event may not be a good match for you.

* The hike itself has a difficulty rating of D3, so it's not suitable for beginners.

We'll meet at the Kennesaw Mountain Visitors Center located at 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30188. (See the top of this event listing for GPS coordinates and a linked map.) The Visitors Center is located near the intersection of Stillsboro Road NW and Old 41 Highway NW.

The parking lot immediately outside the Visitors Center often is full. If that's the case, there is overflow parking a short distance away at 2005 Old 41 Highway NW.

Parking is free at both locations.