MACON, Ga. — The solar eclipse is almost here, and its time to get ready to watch!
In just two weeks, a total solar eclipse is expected to captivate millions across the country as it makes its way from Texas to Maine.
It's been nearly seven years since the U.S. has seen a solar eclipse, and this time it will be bigger and longer than the one in 2017. Those in the path of totality, a 115-mile-wide stretch where the moon will fully cover the sun, are set to experience as much as four minutes of total darkness.
While Georgia isn't in the path of totality, lots of areas will be able to view a partial eclipse.
You won't want to miss the total solar eclipse on April 8, as there won't be another coast-to-coast event until 2045.
Here's just a few of the local places hosting partial eclipse watch parties:
Where: Ocmulgee Grounds National Historic Park in Macon
When: April 8, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
While Macon is not in the path of totality for the eclipse, you can still see a 77% partial eclipse. The Ocmulgee Grounds are hosting a watch party at the funeral mound parking lot and they will have a limited number of solar eclipse junior ranger books and solar viewers. Park rangers will be able to teach about the eclipse, and help kids earn their solar eclipse badge.
The event starts at 1:30 p.m., and the eclipse begins around 1:46. The peak of the eclipse will happen around 3:04 p.m.
For more about the event, you can visit the link here.
Where: Brown's Mount, 2069 Joe Brown Drive in Macon
When: April 8 at 2 p.m.
If you don't want to sit still while watching the eclipse, you can go on a hike for the event at Brown's mount. According to their account listing, folks will "listen for the reactions of birds and insects to the mid-day twilight. We will visit the overlook, the writer's cabin ruin, the grape arbor at the old homestead, look for 65-million year-old fossils, walk along the lily cliff, and see the remains of an old Indian mound.
For more on the hike, you can visit this link.
Where: Georgia College & State University’s historic Front Campus
When: Monday, April 8 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The public is invited to come out to Georgia College & State University’s Front Campus, as their viewing are will cover around 80% of the sun at peak viewing time. Protective glasses will be given out from 2 - 4 p.m., at the Arts and Sciences Fountain on campus. There will also be “sunspotter” telescopes at A&S, which project images of the sun onto paper.
For more information and other places to pick up solar eclipse glasses around Milledgeville, you can visit the link here.
4) Eclipse Viewing Party in Macon
Where: Macon, Georgia
When: April 8 from 1:46 p.m. to 04:20 p.m.
This event has no specific location, but is for all the eclipse watchers around Macon! No matter if you're watching with a big group or from your own backyard, www.ilovesolareclipse.com is hosting fun for all.
You can RSVP to the online event here, and share your solar eclipse location and photos in the comments of their event.
And don't forget to bring your camera., and post your photos with the hashtag #GeorgiaSolarEclipse to be featured on the company's social media pages!
You can also buy certified eclipse sunglasses on their website.
5) Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Where: Daisy Park in Macon
When: Monday, April 8 from 12 - 2 p.m.
Folks can meet up with the Middle Georgia Regional Library in Daisy Park to view the eclipse! Eclipse glasses will be available for attendees.
If you have any eclipse viewing events you want added to the list, please send an email with all the event details to news@13wmaz.com.
And don't forget to practice safety while viewing! To safely view the eclipse, you’ll need ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses. These are the glasses that will protect your retina from incoming solar radiation.
For 13WMAZ Meteorologist Alex Forbes's guide on how to make sure everyone stays safe watching the eclipse, visit the link here.