Eclipse events are piling up in Oregon as October 14 approaches
As the day of the annular solar eclipse approaches, big events and viewing parties are popping up across Oregon to see it happen on Oct. 14.
From coast to canyon and high desert, people plan to see a “ring of fire” eclipse, an astronomical experience that won’t be repeated in Oregon until 2046. Events range from group camping to informal gatherings in beautiful settings, some with science shows and live music.
However you see it, the annular eclipse promises to be an amazing show.
A solar eclipse occurs when the new moon lines up between Earth and the sun, blocking our view of the sun. Annular eclipses occur when the Moon is too far away to completely block out the sun’s rays, leaving a ring of light around its edges.
And because the sun won’t be completely blocked, viewers won’t be able to see the sun’s corona – the main attraction in a total solar eclipse. However, people may be able to see a phenomenon known as “Bailey’s beads,” in which sunlight appears to be beads when it comes across the lunar surface’s bumpy surface. Unlike a total eclipse, specialized eclipse glasses are needed all the time to protect your eyes.
Those who want to see the maximum eclipse will need to find their way to a 90-mile-wide strip that will make landfall on the coast of south-central Oregon, passing over Eugene, Roseburg, Crater Lake and the Alford Desert on its way through. Southwestern United States, Central America and South America, according to NASA.
Those outside this range, including all Portland-area residents, will see a partial eclipse, not unlike those outside the path of the total solar eclipse in 2017.
Events happen all over the state, but here are some big ones to keep in mind:
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is too far away to completely block the sun, leaving a “ring of fire” in the sky.
Eclipse Festival 2023
Expected to be Oregon’s largest eclipse event, Eclipse Fest 2023 will span 175 acres of land outside Klamath Falls, where attendees can expect an immersive multi-day experience including live music, family-friendly activities, and viewing of the major eclipse. Itself. Tickets sold separately for festival, concert, and camping. Buy them online at Eclipsefest23.com.
Eclipse in nature
Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls has teamed up with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry as well as the Oregon Institute of Technology for the two-day Eclipse Into Nature event. The star party on Oct. 13 will include presentations from both OMSI and Oregon Tech, along with representatives from the Klamath, Modoc and Yahooskin tribes. Tickets for this event will go on sale on September 11th and are available at runy.com. On the day of the eclipse, a public viewing party at the resort will include food, music, games and presentations. The observation party will be free, but attendees will have to pay for parking.
Shore Acres State Park
The Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a special eclipse show at one of the most beautiful locations on the South Coast. The public is invited to a viewing party at Shore Acres State Park, beginning at 8 a.m. on Oct. 14. The event is free, but parking is $5 per vehicle at the park (or a state park annual pass offer). Carpooling is encouraged.
Sunset at Coquelle River Lighthouse, located in Pollards Beach State Park in Bandon.Jimmy Hill/The Oregonian
Bandon Watch Party
Eclipse watchers will gather at Bollards Beach in Bandon on the morning of Oct. 14 for what the city describes as a “festival of light” viewing party. The event will begin at 7:30 am and will take place on the beach just north of the Coquelle River Lighthouse.
Crater Lake
The National Park Service hasn’t announced any official events at Crater Lake, but as one of the most scenic destinations in the path of the eclipse, we can expect to see it. a lot of people making their way to the park for the big day. All accommodations within the park are already booked. Look for special events that provide transportation to the park, like this eclipse tour offered by Bend-based Wanderlust Tours.
Sun River Observatory
The Sunriver Nature Observatory and Center south of Bend, located in the path of totality, is hosting a special eclipse event. Tickets to the event cost $15 and come with eclipse glasses and access to a presentation from the observatory staff. Register online at snco.org.
Fort Rock
Wanderlust Tours hosts a guided eclipse experience at Fort Rock State Park in central Oregon, a place of outstanding beauty and cultural significance. Tickets for the event are currently sold out, according to the tour company’s website, but a waiting list is available if any spots open up. With or without a guided tour, Fort Rock should be a special place to see the action.
—Jimmy Hill
503-294-4077; jhale@oregonian.com; @HaleJamesB
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