WARNING: Solar eclipse coming late 2017

Oregon is in for a major cosmic event next August: a total solar eclipse. For a helpful preview, MHCC’s Sky Theater Planetarium is presenting a show this week, titled “Early Planning for the Oregon 2017 Total Solar Eclipse.” The show runs again today, Friday, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., in the Planetarium, located beneath the Library.

Planetarium Director Pat Hanrahan said that as many as one million people from all over the world are expected to travel to Oregon to view the eclipse, which takes place about 10:15 a.m. on Aug. 21, 2017.

The current show is about planning for the eclipse with what equipment to buy, safety precautions, and the best time and places to travel. It concludes with more discussion on different constellations, and total solar eclipses.

A solar eclipse occurs approximately every 18 months (partial eclipse) to every three years (full eclipse). They occur when the moon moves between the sun and earth, blocking the sun’s rays and casting a shadow over the earth. The eclipse can only occur during a new moon.

Oregon will be a popular state to view the total solar eclipse; it hasn’t seen one since 1979. This one will first be seen along the Oregon coast between Lincoln City and Newport, at about 10:15 a.m.

Over the next several minutes, the eclipse path moves in a narrow band to the east, crossing the mid-Willamette Valley, then central and eastern Oregon. The total eclipse will not be visible in Portland, nor in Eugene.It will last about two minutes in any one location. 

Hanrahan said it’s highly recommended that anyone who plans to view the eclipse travel a day before to avoid traffic, and risk missing the event. Those viewing the eclipse should wear protective sunglasses (such as those sold already at OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

“If you think that (Interstate 5) is busy when the Beavers play the Ducks on game day, you only have a small idea of what traffic will be like on the morning of Aug. 21,” said Hanrahan.

OMSI will host an eclipse event at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem, while the Oregon SOLARFEST will be held in Madras, called the “Oregon Star Party.” Vistit oregonsolarfest.com for more information.

Mt. Hood’s Planetarium shows are generally on the first Tuesday and Friday of each month. Tuesday shows are at 6 and 7:15 p.m. General admission is $5, but just $2 for MHCC students with valid I.D. and for children age 17 and under.

A series of interactive shows is presented throughout the year. Viewers have the chance to experience a realistic representation of the night sky with planetary images.

Upcoming events include the “13 Zodiac Constellations and Their Hidden Treasures” on Dec. 6 and 9, and the “2017 Sky Preview” on Jan. 10 and 13.

For more, see: mhcc.edu/planetarium and eclipse2017.org/2017/states/OR.htm