Eclipse mania is gripping Northeast Georgia as the first total eclipse of the sun in the continental United States in 38 years is lining up. Not since 1918 has there been a coast-to-coast path for such a celestial event.
In most of Georgia, the sun will look like a crescent as the moon passes in front of it. But in parts Northeast Georgia, the total eclipse will last more than 2 1/2 minutes.
Before the eclipse
Solar Eclipse Festival
What: Information about the eclipse and how to safely view it, entry into Starlab portable planetarium, astronomy craft for kids, access to telescopes to view the sun
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 19
Where: Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville
How much: $10, including eclipse glasses while supplies last
More info: elachee.org, 770-535-1976
Solar eclipse program
What: Access to telescopes to view the sun, planetarium shows, instructions to build a solar eclipse viewer (bring an empty cereal box or paper towel roll), Q-and-A panels with professors
When: 1-5 p.m. Aug. 20
Where: University of North Georgia, Dahlonega
How much: Free
Where you can see the total eclipse
Pitts Park
What: Live music from pianist John Burke and singer Brian Buffington, bounce houses, kids art stations, super heroes including Flash and Captain America
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 21
Where: Pitts Park, Ga. 197 North, Clarkesville
What to bring: Lawn chairs and blankets; free bottled water and eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last
Smithgall Woods State Park
What: Two Celestron telescopes available
When: 1-3 p.m. Aug. 21
Where: Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen
How much: $10 admission with $5 parking fee, includes eclipse glasses
More info: 706-878-3087
Tallulah Gorge State Park
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 21
Where: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls
How much: $5 parking
More info: 706-754-7981
Vogel State Park
What: arts and crafts for additional fees, eclipse safety program
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21
Where: 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville
How much: $5 parking, eclipse glasses available for $2
More info: 706-745-2628
Totally Toccoa Street Party
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 21
Where: First Citizens Bank parking lot, 122 N. Alexander St., Toccoa
How much: Free
More info: 706-886-2132
Rabun County Total Eclipse
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21
Where: Ramey Boulevard Parking lots, Clayton
How much: $5 per car (shuttle to other parking lots available)
More info: 706-212-0241
