A solar eclipse that is making its way across parts of the United States and Mexico on Monday will be partially visible in Northeast Georgia.
Brenau University Assistant Professor of Physical Science Dr. Logan Kageorge says while the path of totality will not cross through the state, there will be visible effects during the afternoon hours that day.
"Gainesville is experiencing an 82 percent partial eclipse," Kageorge said. "Seeing a partial eclipse is like seeing a very cool sunset, whereas seeing totality is like the sky is broken."
Kageorge said the eclipse in the Gainesville area is expected to last from around 1:45 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. with the estimated peak coming around 3:06. He said because Northeast Georgia will not be in the path of totality, it's important to remember that eye safety wear should be worn at all times when trying to look at the eclipse.
"Anytime you're looking up at the sun, whether there's an eclipse or not, you should have your safety glasses on," Kageorge said. "Totality is the only time it's ok (to look at the sun without safety wear,) but here in Gainesville you'll need to have your glasses on the entire time you're looking at the sun."
Kageorge said normal sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes when looking at the sun. Special eclipse viewing glasses are needed, although he said there are other ways to observe the phenomenon.
"Something that I instruct my students to do is to look at the shadows around you, especially shadows of trees. The leaves create just enough space that they'll cast a shadow that looks a lot like the shape of the moon covering the sun," Kageorge said. "If you bring a solid metal colander outside, you can create one of these effects yourself."
While there have been several solar eclipses that have been at least partially visible in Northeast Georgia in recent years, Kageorge says that is an anomaly. He says it will be a while before the next eclipse is viewable in the region.
"The next time we will see one anywhere in the U.S. will be 2044, so that's a good 20 years away from now," Kageorge said. "The next time an eclipse will be this close to Georgia won't be until 2045, so if you haven't made plans to travel to see this, I really can't impress enough that I think it's such a life-changing event that I think it's worth traveling for."
The nearest states to Georgia that the path of totality will pass through are the far northwest corner of Tennessee, along with most of Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana.
