Atlanta, georgia-april 2017-a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon lines up between the earth and the sun-an extremely rare and beautiful event

The total eclipse will only be view-able from specific locations. Here are the best places in the Southeast to celebrate this solar scenario:

Capital City/Lake Murray Country, South Carolina
Capital City/Lake Murray Country, South Carolina, is conveniently located off Interstates I-77, I-26 and I-20, in the central part of the Palmetto state and an ideal vantage point for viewing the August event. Lake Murray will have the largest viewing area. This event will take place at both park sites of Lake Murray Dam (Lexington and Irmo sides). Nearby, Columbia and its surrounding region are positioned in the best location--the best on the East Coast, in fact--to witness a spectacle that has not been seen in the continental United States since 1979, when a total solar eclipse was visible from five Northwestern states. The path of the eclipse will pass through Lake Murray at 2:30 p.m. and Columbia at 2:41 p.m. for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

Throughout the long weekend of August 18-21, 2017, attractions, cultural institutions, hospitality and retail businesses throughout the area will host special eclipse-related events leading up to nature's grandest spectacle. Catch an old fashion Drive-In Movie night at the Historic Columbia Speedway festival grounds, take in a Carolina Fireflies game, sample Benton Brewing's Carolina Blackout release or join the Congaree National Park staff for an unparalleled wilderness eclipse experience, among other special events offered throughout Eclipse weekend. For more information, visit TotalEclipseColumbiaSC.com and

www.LakeMurrayCountry.com/things-to-do/events/total-eclipse-weekend

Alpine Helen-White County, Georgia

Located about 90 minutes north of Atlanta, find abundant shopping, art galleries, wineries, traditional German dishes and international fare in Helen, White County and the surrounding villages of Sautee and Nacoochee, where Appalachia meets Alpine, a North Georgia beauty with a Bavarian sensibility, alongside the Chattahoochee River. Tour the strasses and platzes of the Alpine Village in a horse-drawn carriage. Outdoor enthusiasts find two golf courses, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, tubing, rock climbing, zip lining and horseback riding. Culinary and culture vultures delight in Helen's seven wineries and beautiful tasting rooms, her eclectic dining landscape, mountaintop spa and her accomplished artisans--quilters, woodcarvers, potters, glass artists. Shoppers are enchanted by a streetscape a'bustle with activity: like-minded souls browsing more than 150 shops, horse-drawn carriages, German music--even a babbling brook--and all in down-home ambiance. Lodging includes in-town hotels, riverside bed and breakfast inns and cabins, condos and chalets tucked into the mountains. HelenGA.org

Blue Ridge, Georgia

The town of Blue Ridge is on the southern edge of the shadow, so totality, when the moon's shadow fully blocks the sun's light, only lasts for 35 seconds. However, north and east of Blue Ridge in Fannin County, in McCaysville and Morganton, the totality lasts longer. In Morganton, the partial phase start will begin at 1:05:05 p.m., with the totality phase beginning at 2:34:45 p.m. and lasting 1 minute and 10 seconds. In McCaysville, the partial phase start will begin at 1:04:43 p.m., with the totality phase beginning at 2:34:08 p.m. and lasting 1 minute and 34 seconds.

Try one of these locations for the best viewing spot:

Lake Blue Ridge Dam--1 minute 2 seconds of totality at 2:34:50 p.m.

Morganton Point Recreation Area--1 minute 8 seconds of totality at 2:34:50 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville--1 minute 31 seconds of totality at 2:34:15 p.m.

Downtown McCaysville--1 minute 35 seconds of totality at 2:34:10 p. m.

Ocoee Whitewater Center--1 minute 46 seconds of totality at 2:33:45 p.m.