A total solar eclipse - where the Moon completely hides the blinding disc of the Sun - is one of the rarest and most beautiful astronomical wonders a person can observe. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for most people – if they are lucky enough to witness a total solar eclipse at all.
“Nothing you read, see, or hear can prepare you for the spine-tingling, goosebump-inducing experience of the total eclipse. You do not simply see a total eclipse. You experience it. You are immersed in it. You are completely overwhelmed by it. Many people say that the experience of totality changes their lives.” Being in the shadow - Dr. Kate Russo - author, psychologist, and eclipse chaser.
What causes an eclipse?
An eclipse is caused by the intersecting orbital paths of the Earth and Moon around the Sun. The geometry of the shadows cast by the Sun determines whether the eclipse is observed as a partial or total eclipse.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Moon's orbit around the Earth causes it to enter the shadow of the Earth at a full moon, directly opposite from the Sun. The eclipsed Moon can be observed anywhere from the Earth where it is night. When the entire full moon enters completely into the umbra – the fully shaded inner part of a shadow - it is termed a total lunar eclipse.
What causes an eclipse?
An eclipse is caused by the intersecting orbital paths of the Earth and Moon around the Sun. The geometry of the shadows cast by the Sun determines whether the eclipse is observed as a partial or total eclipse.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Moon's orbit around the Earth causes it to enter the shadow of the Earth at a full moon, directly opposite from the Sun. The eclipsed Moon can be observed anywhere from the Earth where it is night. When the entire full moon enters completely into the umbra – the fully shaded inner part of a shadow - it is termed a total lunar eclipse.
A solar eclipse occurs at a new moon when, as the Moon orbits the Earth, its path crosses directly between the Earth and the Sun. Depending on the Moon’s distance from the Earth and its path in front of the Sun, a solar eclipse can be seen as total, annular, or partial. In a total solar eclipse the entire Sun is obscured by the Moon for anyone observing along the narrow path of the umbra - also know as the path of totality.
More on how eclipses take place can be found here.
More on how eclipses take place can be found here.
The total solar eclipse of Monday, August 21, 2017 - "The Great American Eclipse" - will be the first total eclipse to touch on American soil since 1991; the first on the mainland since 1979; and the first to sweep across the entire country since 1918. However, unlike the 1979 and 1918 total solar eclipses - which were both total eclipses that passed through Goldendale and Washington State - the August 21, 2017 eclipse will not be a total solar eclipse anywhere in the state of Washington.
Outside the path of totality, it will instead only be seen as a partial solar eclipse.
Total solar eclipses take place somewhere on the Earth every year or two, but are confined to a few fleeting moments along a narrow strip about 60 to 100 miles (96 -160 km) wide, and are often located in remote or inhospitable regions of the planet.
Total solar eclipses take place somewhere on the Earth every year or two, but are confined to a few fleeting moments along a narrow strip about 60 to 100 miles (96 -160 km) wide, and are often located in remote or inhospitable regions of the planet.
"Get thee to totality... and clear skies"
"So where should people go to see the solar eclipse? Astronomers emphasize that you really, really want to be where the eclipse is total — not merely partial, not even if the sun is 99% eclipsed.
The difference between a partial and total eclipse is quite literally the difference between day and night. The Sun is so incredibly bright that even one percent of the Sun still shining ruins everything. You have to go where it’s total. If a total eclipse happens within a thousand miles of you, get in your car and go. You’ll remember it your whole life." The most exciting thing people can see - The Morehead Planetarium
"A partial eclipse is interesting but forgettable, while a total eclipse is a memorable, life-changing event which burns itself into memory – and never fades.” Close is not close enough - Dan McGluan, veteran eclipse chaser.
The August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse is therefore an extremely rare opportunity for millions of people living in the USA - and those coming from around the world - to view such an extraordinary event at time of year when the weather prospects are generally very good.
Those of us living in or traveling to the Pacific Northwest are especially lucky. The path of totality lies merely 40 miles (64 km) or so south of the Columbia River in northern and central Oregon, where the best weather prospects along the entire path of totality are likely to occur:
The August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse is therefore an extremely rare opportunity for millions of people living in the USA - and those coming from around the world - to view such an extraordinary event at time of year when the weather prospects are generally very good.
Those of us living in or traveling to the Pacific Northwest are especially lucky. The path of totality lies merely 40 miles (64 km) or so south of the Columbia River in northern and central Oregon, where the best weather prospects along the entire path of totality are likely to occur:
As shown above, eclipse experts advise the best place weather-wise to see the eclipse is likely to be the region near Madras, Oregon:
As shown above, eclipse experts advise the best place weather-wise to see the eclipse is likely to be the region near Madras, Oregon:
For the Madras area the partial phases of the eclipse begin in the morning around 9:06 PDT and end about 11:41 PDT, while totality will last a little over two minutes, starting at slightly after 10:19 PDT and ending a little before 10:22 PDT. This area can be easily accessed from the south or north via Hwy 97, especially if you have visited Goldendale Observatory in Washington the day or two prior to the eclipse to enjoy some informative and interesting interpretive programs, only a two-hour drive away.
You can use this interactive map to locate the times of the eclipse both within and outside the path of totality - scroll, zoom in or out, and left click on any given location - times are given in Universal Time, so subtract 7 hours to get local Pacific Daylight Times.
Get connected:
Be sure to visit the Goldendale Observatory in the days preceding the eclipse for engaging programs and information about the eclipse. For those who cannot make it to the path of totality, the Observatory will be open for viewing the 98% partial eclipse - a very thin crescent Sun - which is still quite blinding, and eye protection MUST be used at all times:
For the Madras area the partial phases of the eclipse begin in the morning around 9:06 PDT and end about 11:41 PDT, while totality will last a little over two minutes, starting at slightly after 10:19 PDT and ending a little before 10:22 PDT. This area can be easily accessed from the south or north via Hwy 97, especially if you have visited Goldendale Observatory in Washington the day or two prior to the eclipse to enjoy some informative and interesting interpretive programs, only a two-hour drive away.
You can use this interactive map to locate the times of the eclipse both within and outside the path of totality - scroll, zoom in or out, and left click on any given location - times are given in Universal Time, so subtract 7 hours to get local Pacific Daylight Times.
Get connected:
Be sure to visit the Goldendale Observatory in the days preceding the eclipse for engaging programs and information about the eclipse. For those who cannot make it to the path of totality, the Observatory will be open for viewing the 98% partial eclipse - a very thin crescent Sun - which is still quite blinding, and eye protection MUST be used at all times:
However - if at all possible - get yourself into the path of totality for this amazing event, and be as close to the center-line as possible for the longest duration of totality:
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon, will host an Eclipse Party for viewing the total eclipse form the Salem Fairgrounds in Oregon.
The famous Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff Arizona will be sponsoring an expedition to Madras Oregon for the eclipse, and you can see their plans and participate here.
The Oregon Observatory at Sunriver is planning an eclipse expedition to the Madras area; keep up-to-date with their plans here.
The Rose City Astronomers in Portland, Oregon, an active group of amateur astronomers, will also be having an event located in the path of totality – their event can be followed here.
The Oregon Star Party will be held August 17 to 22, 2017 at the usual site in the Ochoco National Forest, 45 miles east of Prineville, Oregon, and is located in the path of totality. Hundreds of amateur astronomers will be gathered, and you can keep track of their plans here.
However - if at all possible - get yourself into the path of totality for this amazing event, and be as close to the center-line as possible for the longest duration of totality:
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon, will host an Eclipse Party for viewing the total eclipse form the Salem Fairgrounds in Oregon.
The famous Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff Arizona will be sponsoring an expedition to Madras Oregon for the eclipse, and you can see their plans and participate here.
The Oregon Observatory at Sunriver is planning an eclipse expedition to the Madras area; keep up-to-date with their plans here.
The Rose City Astronomers in Portland, Oregon, an active group of amateur astronomers, will also be having an event located in the path of totality – their event can be followed here.
The Oregon Star Party will be held August 17 to 22, 2017 at the usual site in the Ochoco National Forest, 45 miles east of Prineville, Oregon, and is located in the path of totality. Hundreds of amateur astronomers will be gathered, and you can keep track of their plans here.
If you miss the 2017 total solar eclipse, you'll have another opportunity on April 8, 2024, but the weather prospects for the path through the USA are poorer. You'll have to wait until August 12, 2045 for the next total solar eclipse in the USA to have an opportunity equal to or better than the August 21, 2017 eclipse:
Resources:
These web sites have more great information on preparing for and viewing the eclipse:
Astronomy Magazine's 25 Facts You Should Know About the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse
Astronomy Magazine's 25 Tips for the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse
AstroAdventures - Includes a comprehensive guide on the 2017 eclipse, focusing near Madras, OR
EclipseWise - Mr. Eclipse himself - Fred Espenak
Eclipsophile - detailed weather probabilities for eclipses
Sky & Telescope's Planning for America's 2017 Solar Eclipse
The Great American Eclipse
The National Science Teachers Association's Eclipse Observers Guide
Be sure to watch these informative animations of the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse:
Eclipse shown to scale from the Moon's orbit
Eclipse shadow cones
Eclipse as seen from above the USA
Eclipse as seen from the Earth