EUGENE, Ore. — Many groups in western Oregon are preparing watch parties for Saturday’s annular solar eclipse.
Although the peak of the eclipse may only last a few minutes, the Eugene Science Center will host an entire day of events for this astronomical phenomenon.
The fun will begin at 8:30 a.m. on October 14, when special viewing glasses and telescopes will be provided, experts will form the Eugene Astronomical Society, and viewing events will be held outside the center. Organizers say there will also be hands-on opportunities starting outdoors before the event moves indoors with guest lecturers speaking inside the planetarium.
Peter Kukla, director of community engagement for the Eugene Science Center, said the event will be a great opportunity to teach people all about solar eclipses.
“It’s about letting people know what’s going on with the sun and the moon,” he said. “Things like this happen all the time. The difference between an annual eclipse and a solar eclipse. All that kind of thing.”
The event at the science center is just one of many viewing parties held throughout Western Oregon.
The City of Reedsport will host an “Eclipse Viewing Family Fun Festival” with games, food and entertainment starting at 7 a.m. inside the Reedsport Community Center.
The Oregon State University Astronomy Club will host an observation party at Peavy Field at 8 a.m.
Kukla said special equipment such as eclipse glasses and telescopes will be important to protect the eyes of those looking up at the eclipse.
“It may appear darker and more prominent,” he said. “But this is an annular solar eclipse, so you don’t want to look at the sun too much. Even just a few seconds of it can cause permanent damage to your eyes.”
Another thing to prepare for, Kukla said, is traffic. He expects more people to come to the science center, where parking is limited.
Rain fell across the region Friday night, but the forecast for the eclipse is mostly cloudy. Kukla said cloudy skies won’t stop the celebrations. And although clouds are expected, he hopes the impact will be minimal.
“So as long as there are no clouds in front of the sun, you should be able to see the sun when it rises in the morning and when an eclipse is occurring,” he said. “The weather was nice this morning, with few clouds, so there was some visibility. So we’re hoping for that luck tomorrow.”
Be sure to check out KEZI 9 News this morning Saturday for live reporting of the solar eclipse from Alton Baker Park in Eugene.
Albert James joined the KEZI 9 News team in January 2023 as a weekday news reporter and weekend news anchor. If you have a story idea, email Albert at albertjames@kezi.com.