Eyes to the skies
For the second time in six years, the Central Oregon Coast will offer a front row seat for a spectacular celestial event, with an annular solar eclipse taking place on Saturday, Oct. 14.
During the eclipse, the moon, at its furthest point from Earth, will appear smaller as it passes in front of the sun, creating a brilliant “ring of fire” effect.
Oregonians will get their first glimpse of the eclipse shortly after 8 am, with annularity beginning at 9:14 am. This astronomical event will be visible across Oregon’s skies but the best viewing will be in the path of annularity, which includes parts of the coast and Willamette Valley, a concentrated area within Central Oregon, and much of Southern Oregon.
If skies are clear on the coast, viewers with an unobstructed view of the sunrise between Langlois and Gleneden Beach will see the eclipse first before it traces a southeastward trajectory across the state. Viewers will be able to see the “ring of fire” for a full four minutes in the path of annularity. While the sky will not get fully dark as it did during 2017’s total eclipse, a dusk-like gloom will descend and animals will become quieter. The moon will then begin to clear the sun, completely restoring daylight at about 10:39 am.
Travel Oregon is encouraging visitors to book their accommodations and other arrangements early as hotels and campsite reservations are anticipated to sell out quickly — and to anticipate traffic impacts in the path of annularity.
“Given Oregon’s pristine starry skies, the state is known for its excellent stargazing opportunities and this year’s annular solar eclipse will put on another exciting celestial show,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “With the path of annularity passing through the Oregon Outback and a new moon on the rise that weekend, eclipse-watchers who spend a night or two will also be treated to excellent stargazing.”
Certified eclipse-viewing glasses will be available at Travel Oregon welcome centers while supplies last.
An interactive map of the eclipse’s path as well as eclipse-viewing information and festivities can be viewed at https://traveloregon.com.
Dark Days Eclipse Festival
Friday and Saturday, Oct 13 & 14 • Yachats Commons
Greet the eclipse in style at this two-day music festival, featuring artists including Song Soup, Josh Flowers, Lisa Fitzgerald on Friday; followed on Saturday by Larkin Grimm, Mere of Light, Weird Weird West and many more.
For details, go to https://solarmusic.info/dark-days-festival
Luminous glows after one year
Luminous Soul Center in Gleneden Beach will celebrate its one-year anniversary with its first annual Fall Retreat, set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14 and 15.
This retreat, which coincides with the “ring of fire” solar eclipse, will offer everything from Chakra Yoga Flow and Integrated Energy Therapy to a Dream Catcher Class and Sound Bath with Reiki.
“Through yoga, breath, meditation practice, sound healing, soul sharing, nature connection, energy work, and creative exploration, you will tune into the calling of your heart, so you powerfully activate and embody the most beautiful expression of your potential,” said Luminous owner Arielle Beauduy. “You can take the sessions and classes individually or you can join the whole retreat for a discounted rate and a special gift. Free activities are also offered throughout the weekend.
For class and event information, go to Luminoussoulcenter.com.