Eerie Silence and Darkness Expected in Northeast Georgia

Guests traveled to the Northeast Georgia Mountains from all over the globe for the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse. Astronomers and skywatchers were excited to participate in what North America hadn't experienced in almost 40 years. In fact, some had been looking forward to this event for more than a decade.

Sun watchers and moon gazers found the best spot to settle in for up to two and a half minutes of eerie darkness and silence on August 21, 2017. Guests staying with Georgia Mountain Rentals experienced exactly 1 minute and 41 seconds of totality in Helen and Sautee, Georgia. The eclipse in our area began its partial phase around 1:05pm. The full eclipse began at 2:35pm.

The total eclipse takes place when the moon completely covers the sun and its corona. This incredible event stretched across the United States beginning in Salem, Oregon and ending in Charleston, South Carolina.

Facts about the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse in Georgia

The average path of totality width was 71.5 miles across Georgia. The central line covered a distance of 12 miles across Georgia. The average central line duration of totality was 2 minutes 38 seconds across the state. The average speed of the moon's shadow was 1,456 mph across Georgia.

The last two total solar eclipses visible from Georgia were on March 7, 1970 and May 28, 1900. The next two total solar eclipses visible from Georgia will be on August 12, 2045 and March 20, 2052.

All views of the eclipse depend on two things: weather and eye protection. We all know that we are not supposed to look directly into the sun on a regular day. On the day of the Total Solar Eclipse, it is even more important to protect our eyes from UV rays. Do not look directly into the sun even during the Total Solar Eclipse.

By Sherry Clive, Georgia Mountain Rentals.