The most hyped solar eclipse in American history will be breaching Oregon's coast and making its way across the country in less than a month.
As you prepare to journey into the path of totality, or take a look up as you go about your day, here are the important things you need to know about the spectacular event:
First, what is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth at a particular angle. The moon blocks the light from the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth that, in the path of totality, turns day into twilight. It's only by coincidence that the moon is able to do this. The sun is 400 times wider than the moon, but it is also 400 times farther away, so they appear to be the same size in the sky.
When is the Great American Eclipse?
August 21, visible in Oregon from 10:15 a.m. to 10:27 a.m.
When was the last total solar eclipse visible in Oregon?
It was on Feb. 26, 1979, which also crossed Washington, Idaho, Montana and North Dakota, a day on which the weather was described as "bleak."
Is this the only total solar eclipse visible in Oregon during my lifetime?
Yes, it probably is. The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will be on April 8, 2024, but the path of totality only crosses the country from Texas to New England. More total eclipses in the U.S. will follow in 2044, 2045 and 2078, but those will also miss the Beaver State.
Why is this called the "Great American Eclipse?"Read more..
As you prepare to journey into the path of totality, or take a look up as you go about your day, here are the important things you need to know about the spectacular event:
First, what is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth at a particular angle. The moon blocks the light from the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth that, in the path of totality, turns day into twilight. It's only by coincidence that the moon is able to do this. The sun is 400 times wider than the moon, but it is also 400 times farther away, so they appear to be the same size in the sky.
When is the Great American Eclipse?
August 21, visible in Oregon from 10:15 a.m. to 10:27 a.m.
When was the last total solar eclipse visible in Oregon?
It was on Feb. 26, 1979, which also crossed Washington, Idaho, Montana and North Dakota, a day on which the weather was described as "bleak."
Is this the only total solar eclipse visible in Oregon during my lifetime?
Yes, it probably is. The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will be on April 8, 2024, but the path of totality only crosses the country from Texas to New England. More total eclipses in the U.S. will follow in 2044, 2045 and 2078, but those will also miss the Beaver State.
Why is this called the "Great American Eclipse?"Read more..