Are you ready for the solar eclipse?

Here's you quick guide for navigating the solar eclipse today including safety tips, viewing locations and more happening around Atlanta.

It's a rarity to see a solar eclipse in the United States so as we are just hours away from the highly anticipated solar eclipse here's a few ways for you to enjoy this rare experience. From safety precautions to prime viewing locations and eclipse-inspired activities, we've put together the perfect guide sure to outshine this midday shadow. Before we dive into all the details, let's talk about why a solar eclipse is such a rare phenomena in the United States.

The answer is it ultimately boils down to the earth's orbit, according to experts solar eclipses are actually more common globally; however mor often than not they happen in places in the world where no one lives. Additionally while eclipses are quite common, total solar eclipses are actually quite rare, and while Atlanta isn't one of the cities that will see total coverage, we are at around 85% coverage today so that's still is enough to celebrate!

Safety: Protect Your Eyes!

Before enjoying this sky phenomena, prioritizing your safety is key to having a great time. While Georgia is not seeing a full coverage, our near by neighbors in Tennessee have more than a 90% coverage and in Kentucky, a 5 hour ride away have 100% coverage. Astronomy Author and Educator Ed Ting says, wearing approved eclipse glasses is non-negotiable. These glasses are specially designed to protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation, and ultimately preventing potential damage. Even during partial coverage, looking directly into the sun without proper eyewear can cause permanent eye injury. If you're planning on making it a family outing make sure the kiddos are equipped with their own eclipse glasses. Don't forget to stress the importance of no peeking without the glasses under any circumstance.

Location: Where To Watch

If you plan on sneaking away from work today to enjoy the festivities, some of the best places include Stone Mountain with their viewing event starting at 1:45 p.m. and ending 4:21 p.m. The park says it's peak viewing time will be at 3:04 p.m. and is inviting everyone to gather at the summit to enjoy this solar spectacle. Tickets are still available online here.

Other outdoor viewing locations include Kennesaw Mountain and Piedmont Park - which include some of the best views for the sky. It's reported that it will be partly cloudy in North Georgia, but you might enjoy taking the day to hike some of North Georgia's beautiful trails like Mount Yonah or Mount Glassy.

Other options include Fernbank Museum in Atlanta with their Solar Eclipse Fest and the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville. Both science museums offer unique and fun experiences for educating kids and adults alike about this one of a kind celestial experience.

Solar Eclipse inspired deals

Grab a friend and take an extended break from work because there are incredible deals happening all around Atlanta just for the solar eclipse. Some mouthwatering deals include free Eclipse Pancakes at Cracker Barrel, free apps at Chili's, Raising Cane's is offering extra Texas Toast to commemorate the experience and even our favorite donut shop, Krispy Kreme has exclusive deals and menu items to celebrate the solar eclipse.