In Case You Missed It: 2024 Solar Eclipse Recap

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - To have a total solar eclipse pass through this much of the United States is pretty rare, but to have two in seven years is pretty extraordinary. The community gathered all around to do the exact same thing - look up at the sun (safely, of course) to see an out-of-this-world view!

LOOK: Photos below of the eclipse in the area and our neighbors watching!

For the Chattahoochee Valley, we were about 75-80% eclipsed at the maximum – in the Columbus area, the partial eclipse began around 1:43 p.m. EST and we were maximized at 3:02 p.m. EST at 78.6%. The partial eclipse ended around 4:20 p.m.

Our Chief Meteorlogist Derek Kinkade and Digital Content Manager Jessie Gibson held a countdown to the eclipse while talking with Dr. Shawn Cruzen (who was in Texas) and Dr. Rosa Williams (who was in Arkansas) - both with Columbus State University’s Coca Cola Space Science Center.

Check out that stream below:

Below is video of community reaction, a look back at 2017 and FOR THE FUTURE, how to create your own eclipse viewer!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Chattahoochee Valley has had some close calls with totality with the solar eclipses in 2017 and 2024, but if you’re looking to see a total eclipse and not have to travel very far, then 2045 will be your year!