Oregon is one of the four states in the US that will witness a rare and spectacular annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023. The event, also known as the ‘ring of fire’ eclipse, occurs when the moon is too far from the Earth to completely cover the sun, leaving a thin ring of light around the darkened moon.
What to Expect from the ‘Ring of Fire’ Eclipse
The ‘ring of fire’ eclipse will be visible from a narrow path that stretches across Oregon, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico. The first location to see the annular phase will be the Oregon coast (between Kernville and Denmark) at 9:15 a.m. PDT. The eclipse will then move inland, passing over Crater Lake National Park, Klamath Falls, Lakeview and Ontario. The maximum duration of the annularity will be 4 minutes and 33 seconds, which is longer than the total solar eclipse of 2017 that lasted for about 2 minutes.
The sky will not get as dark as during a total solar eclipse, but it will still be a remarkable sight to behold. The temperature will drop slightly, the shadows will become sharper and some stars and planets may become visible. The sun’s corona, however, will not be visible, as it will be obscured by the bright ring of light.
To view the eclipse safely, it is essential to use proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses or solar filters. Looking directly at the sun without protection can cause permanent eye damage. Do not use sunglasses, binoculars, cameras or telescopes without filters, as they can magnify the sun’s rays and cause more harm.
How to Plan Your Trip to Oregon for the Eclipse
If you are planning to travel to Oregon for the eclipse, you should book your accommodation and transportation as soon as possible, as many places are expected to be fully booked or charge higher rates. You should also check the weather forecast and road conditions before you go, as clouds or traffic can ruin your viewing experience.
Some of the best places to see the ‘ring of fire’ eclipse in Oregon are:
- Agate Beach Inn: This beachfront property in Newport offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. It will have trained staff members on-site and solar eclipse glasses for guests.
- Crater Lake National Park: This is one of the most scenic locations in Oregon, with a deep blue lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The park will host special events and activities for visitors, such as guided hikes, ranger talks and astronomy programs.
- Klamath Falls: This city in southern Oregon is close to several natural attractions, such as Lava Beds National Monument, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Upper Klamath Lake. It will also host a three-day festival called Klamath Eclipse Experience, featuring live music, food trucks, art exhibits and educational workshops.
- Ontario: This city near the Idaho border is known for its agricultural heritage and cultural diversity. It will host an eclipse viewing party at Treasure Valley Community College, with live entertainment, food vendors and children’s activities.
Why You Should Not Miss This Eclipse
The ‘ring of fire’ eclipse of 2023 is a rare and spectacular event that will not happen again in the US until 2045. It is also a great opportunity to explore the diverse and beautiful landscapes of Oregon, from its rugged coastline to its volcanic peaks. Whether you are a seasoned eclipse-chaser or a curious traveler, you should not miss this chance to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena.
