What will Eastern Oregon see during Monday’s total solar eclipse?
By Joe Hathaway on Monday, April 8th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
EASTERN OREGON — Another total solar eclipse is set to cross the United States on Monday, April 8. But unlike 2017, when Oregon was the epicenter of the amazing astronomical event, things will be a lot quieter this time around.
This year, eastern Oregon will only experience a partial solar eclipse.
Only those in the path of totality will be able to look skyward to witness the remarkable sight of the sun being entirely obscured by the moon’s shadow as it passes between the Earth and the sun.
This year, the path of totality stretches from southern Texas to northeastern Maine in the United States, according to information from the National Solar Observatory.
According to NASA, eastern Oregon will see about 30 to 35% obscuration, meaning the moon will appear to take only a small bite of the sun. For those trying to view the partial eclipse, there is a two-hour window, according to NSO. It starts around 10:30am Pacific Time and will last until 12:31pm, with the max eclipse happening at 11:30am.
Those in the Treasure Valley will have the best opportunity for seeing the eclipse on Monday, as the weather forecast predicts a “mostly sunny” day.
Other areas in Northeast Oregon and the Columbia Basin should be able to see some of the eclipse as well, but there may be a chance of clouds, which may block the show.
If you’re planning on trying to catch a glimpse of the eclipse, make sure to use special eclipse glasses. Looking at the sun without protection, even for a short period of time, can do serious and long-lasting damage to your eyes.
It will be some time before another total solar eclipse traverses the nation. The next total eclipse is projected to pass over Montana and the Dakotas on August 22, 2044, followed by another sweeping across the country from northern California to Florida on August 12, 2045.
