If you haven’t heard yet, there’s a “ring of fire,” otherwise called an annular eclipse, coming to the Oregon Coast on October 14. The pathway of 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse includes a large portion of the south and central coast.
What is annular or annularity? According to NASA, the period when the moon passes completely in front of the sun (leaving a “ring” of Sun visible) is known as annularity, or second contact. The 2023 solar eclipse is not a total eclipse (as occurred in 2017), but one in which the outer edge of the sun remains visible while the moon covers the mid-portion of the sun. The result is a brilliant ring, often called a “ring of fire,” visible if you are inside the path of annular solar eclipse. On the Oregon Coast, the southern edge of the annular eclipse path will be near Langlois (just north of Port Orford), with the northern edge at Gleneden Beach (just south of Lincoln City).
The annular eclipse, or “ring of fire,” will begin at about 9:15 a.m. until approximately 9:19 a.m. Partial eclipse phases will occur an hour and 20 minutes before, and after, the annular phase, from approximately 8 a.m. until about 10:40 a.m. This unique spectacle will not occur again on the Oregon Coast until 2041.
Safely Viewing an Eclipse
Remember to wear protective eyewear, eclipse glasses, while viewing the event. DO NOT look at the sun at any point. Follow these tips on how to view a solar eclipse safely. Eclipse glasses are available at many locations, including visitor centers such as the Coos Bay Visitor Center (while supplies last).
Why wear glasses? During the eclipse phases, the sun shines brightly enough to damage eyes if viewed without a protective filter. Use only an approved solar filter that blocks dangerous ultraviolet and infrared radiation as well as visible light.
Watch Tips
- Plan ahead
- Find, purchase, and wear protective eyewear that is approved for eclipse viewing
- Check the weather
- Find a location that is ideal for viewing: The eclipse occurs in the morning on the Oregon Coast, so remember that the sun will be low in the eastern sky, at only about five degrees above the horizon at the start of the partial phase and about 17 degrees during annularity. Observers will need to find a location free of tall buildings, trees, and terrain (such as deep canyons) in the direction of the sun.
Special Events
October 10 at North Bend Public Library (6 p.m.): Eclipse Talk with Dr. Aaron Coyner, Southwestern Oregon Community College astrophysicist and NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador. Dr. Coyner will give a talk on the upcoming eclipse and a general overview of the science behind eclipses. Attendees will also receive a free pair of glasses for safe viewing of the solar eclipse.
Events during the Eclipse on October 14
Yachats: Dark Days Solar Eclipse Music Festival at Yachats Commons
Florence: Circles in the Sand at Driftwood Shores
Reedsport: Eclipse Viewing Family Fun Festival at Rainbow Plaza
North Bend: Ring of Fire Revelry ECLIPSE Block Party. Festivities include face painting for kids, vendors, bands, and food trucks. Activities take place at Grant Circle, North Bend, 835 California Ave.
Coos Bay Area, Shore Acres State Park: Eclipse Party at Shore Acres State Park: Join rangers and astronomy educators from around the state who will have telescopes set up to look at the sun and sunspots. The event starts at 8 a.m. near the park’s Observation Building. The event is free, parking is $5 for day use. Carpooling recommended.
Bandon, Festival of Light Watch Party: Head to Bullards Beach, just north of the Coquille River Lighthouse, just before the partial eclipse begins at 8:05 a.m. Bring your eclipse glasses and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the sea stacks off the coastline.
Photo credit: Credits: NASA/Bill Dunford
