After nearly a hundred year wait, a rare total eclipse is happening this Monday, August 21. Although Chattanooga is not quite in the path of totality, we’ve got a solid 99.5% viewing here—so if you don’t want to travel, you really don’t have to. 

In Chattanooga, the eclipse will start at 1:02 p.m., and 99.55 percent of the sun’s light will be covered at 2:32 p.m. If you plan on staying here for the big event, we’ve got you covered with some of the best ways to celebrate locally! 

Creative Discovery Museum’s Solar Eclipse Party

When: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: 321 Chestnut Street
Cost: Regular museum admission

Join Creative Discovery Museum for its Solar Eclipse Party perfect for kids. Out-of-this-world fun will be had by all from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as guests explore how eclipses work through art and science activities! The Museum will not be selling or handing out eclipse glasses, but guests are welcome to bring and use their own viewing glasses at their own risk. Enjoy solar snacks on the rooftop including Sun Chips, Capri Suns, MoonPies and more, storytime, solar face paint, solar dance party and a live stream of NASA’s eclipse footage in the Auditorium for a safe viewing experience. All activities are included with the price of admission. For more information, visit http://www.cdmfun.org/plan-your-visit

Rock the Eclipse at Rock City

When: Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: 1400 Patten Road
Cost: Regular admission of $19.95 adults, $11.95 children

See the eclipse high atop Lookout Mountain at Lover's Leap where you will also enjoy our legendary seven states view. David Karnes and radio personalities from J103 will be onsite for all the eclipse excitement and prize packages. Eclipse safety glasses will be available for purchase onsite for $2 each while supplies last. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.seerockcity.com/plan-your-visit/rock-the-eclipse. 

Tennessee Aquarium

When: Noon - 3 p.m.
Where: 1 Broad St.
Cost: Regular admission

Watch NASA's Eclipse 2017 megacast live-streamed in the River Journey auditorium. They will also be keeping a close watch on the animals as some are very aware of the sun and may show some strange behavior. For more information, visit www.tnaqua.org.

Chattanooga Zoo

When: 1:30-3 p.m.
Where: 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.
Cost: Regular Zoo admission for adults; free for children with safety glasses

Chattanooga Zoo and Sunny 92.3 are partnering for this viewing party with your favorite furry friends. The event will give a unique opportunity to study how each animal reacts to the eclipse and see which nocturnal animals come out while it’s dark. Kids will receive free admission into the Chattanooga Zoo by bringing their own glasses.  For more information, call 423-697-1322.

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

When: Noon - 4 p.m. 
Where: 400 Garden Road
Cost: Members free, $10 nonmember adults, $7 nonmember children and senior adults.

Purchase a membership or daily admission to Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center to receive a free pair of eclipse glasses while supplies last. The eclipse is partial, yet highly visible from the Reflection Riding property and will take place between 1:02 pm and 3:58 pm. 

Can’t find eclipse glasses? 

You’re not alone! They’re sold out nearly everywhere in Chattanooga, but here are a few places left to get them. May the odds be ever in your favor. 

- 200 pairs of glasses will be handed out at Coolidge Park starting at 12 noon on August 21st.
- 200 pairs of glasses will be given out at each of the 17 main locations of Chattanooga area Goodwills on Monday morning.
- Elder’s Ace Hardware in Ooltewah is hoping for a shipment of 4,000 to come in on Saturday, August 19