Solar Eclipse to Occur on Monday

On Monday, a total solar eclipse will cross North America – a phenomenon where the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting areas of North America from Texas to Maine into an unusual daytime darkness. The last time we had an eclipse was seven years ago, in 2017. Astronomers say it will not take place again in the U.S. for another two decades, in 2044.

Millions are expected to gaze upward on Monday to get a glimpse of the rare occurrence where three celestial spheres − the sun, moon, and Earth − line up partially or fully depending on where you are viewing it.

In Cobb and the rest of the state of Georgia, a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with projections indicating a range between 81% and 86% coverage. The West Cobb areas of Kennesaw, Powder Springs, and Acworth are expected to have better visibility.

The partial eclipse is anticipated to occur between 1:45 p.m. and 4:21 p.m., with the peak viewing time estimated at 3:04 p.m., according to NASA.

The Cobb County School District previously made parents aware that students will be released early on the day of the eclipse, but students in Marietta City Schools will remain on campus. High school students in Cobb County are scheduled to be dismissed at 11:30 a.m., elementary students at 12:30 p.m., and middle school students at 1:30 p.m. Marietta Superintendent Grant Rivera explained that the decision to keep Marietta City School students on campus was made to avoid creating strain for working families returning from spring break and to ensure supervision for students, with parents having the option to excuse their children from school if desired.

After-school programs in both districts will proceed as scheduled, but students will be kept indoors for the duration of the eclipse.

Precautions should be taken by all individuals in Georgia to witness the eclipse safely. Eclipse-safe glasses, distinct from regular sunglasses, should be used to safely view the partial eclipse. Eclipse glasses should be inspected for any damage before use, and guidelines provided by reputable sources such as the American Astronomical Society should be followed to ensure safety. Alternatively, individuals without eclipse glasses can create pinhole projectors to indirectly view the eclipse.

As for pet owners, you should not worry about your pets staring at the sun during the eclipse because animals have natural instincts to avoid doing so. However, keeping pets indoors during the eclipse is recommended to prevent potential anxiety caused by the unusual phenomenon.

Viewing parties at local libraries:
Cobb County Libraries will be holding three viewing parties: 

West Cobb Regional Library in Kennesaw, 1:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.,

South Cobb Regional Library in Mableton, 1:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and 

Switzer Library in Marietta, 2 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

These participating Cobb County libraries will be providing eclipse glasses to attendees for safe viewing of the partial solar eclipse. Here’s how the distribution will work at each location:

South Cobb Library: Glasses will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with one pair per person.

West Cobb and Switzer Libraries: Each family or group will receive one pair of glasses.

For the Switzer Library event, guests are encouraged to register in advance on the Cobb County government website.

Additionally, the Smyrna Public Library will host a viewing party on the downtown greenspace from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will distribute glasses to the first 250 families. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and snacks and to participate in crafts and activities provided by the library.