Can you see the eclipse in Oregon?

Chasing Shadows: Catching Eclipses in Oregon

Oregonians, we’re lucky! Our little corner of the world gets treated to some pretty cool celestial shows. I’m talking eclipses, both solar and lunar. While snagging a total solar eclipse is like winning the lottery, we get more frequent chances to see partial solar eclipses and those awesome lunar eclipses. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Recent and Upcoming Eclipse Action

Remember April 8, 2024? That total solar eclipse everyone was buzzing about? Sadly, Oregon only got a partial view. The moon took a bite out of the sun, starting around 10:30 a.m. and wrapping up near noon. It wasn’t totality, but still pretty neat. And hey, the next solar eclipse visible from here isn’t for another 20 years, so we take what we can get!

But don’t despair! We’ve got lunar eclipses to look forward to. Mark your calendars: March 3, 2026, is when we’re expecting a total lunar eclipse. Get ready for some potential “blood moon” action!

That Unforgettable Day in 2017

Oh man, who could forget August 21, 2017? That was the day. The Great American Eclipse! Oregon was right in the path of totality. I remember driving up to Madras with my family, joining what felt like half the state. The anticipation was electric. That strip of darkness cut right across Oregon, and let me tell you, those couple of minutes when the sun went completely dark? Absolutely breathtaking. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. The duration of totality increased as you went east, with some spots getting over two minutes of pure, unadulterated eclipse goodness. Madras was the place to be because the weather cooperated beautifully.

Seriously, the 2017 eclipse was a HUGE deal. The last two total solar eclipses visible from Oregon before that were way back in 1979 and 1918! And after 2017, we have to wait until June 25, 2169 and November 20, 2207. So yeah, it was special.

Solar Eclipses 101

Okay, quick science lesson. A solar eclipse happens when the moon slides right between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun’s light. Total solar eclipse? That’s when the moon completely covers the sun. And when that happens, you can see the sun’s corona – its outer atmosphere. It’s like something out of a movie.

Partial solar eclipses are more common. That’s when the moon only blocks part of the sun, making it look like someone took a bite out of it. Then you have annular eclipses. That’s when the moon is farther away and doesn’t quite cover the sun, leaving a “ring of fire” around it. Pretty cool, huh?

Eyes on the Skies, Safely!

Now, listen up, because this is important: never look directly at the sun during an eclipse without proper eye protection. I’m serious. You can seriously damage your eyes. Sunglasses? Nope, not gonna cut it.

You need special eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard. You can also make a pinhole projector – it’s a fun project! Places like OMSI (the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) often have events and sell the right kind of glasses. Trust me, it’s worth it to protect those peepers.

Lunar Eclipses: The Easygoing Cousin

Lunar eclipses are way more chill. They happen when the Earth throws a shadow on the moon. Total lunar eclipses can turn the moon a reddish color – hence the “blood moon” nickname. And the best part? You can watch them with your naked eyes. No special equipment needed!

So, whether it’s a sliver of the sun disappearing or the moon turning crimson, Oregon’s a fantastic place to witness these cosmic events. Just remember to be safe, do your research, and enjoy the show!