what time is the eclipse tomorrow
The Oregon Coast will be the first spot in the U.S. to get a view of Saturday’s annular solar eclipse when the moon will cover about 95% of the sun and create a “ring of fire.”
Total and annular eclipses are rare, with annular eclipses being slightly more common. On average, there is one total and one annular solar eclipse every year on Earth. However, solar eclipse paths are statistically most likely to occur over the ocean, so being in the path of totality or annularity is rare.
Follow our live coverage here before and during the event.
Friday, 6 p.m.: Eugene Science Center to give Saturday morning visibility update
The Eugene Science Center will provide a visibility update for the eclipse at 7 a.m. Saturday, according to a Facebook post.
“Cloudy or shine, there will be eclipse-themed activities starting at 8:30 a.m. and a public talk on solar eclipses with LCC professor Richard Wagner in the planetarium at 11 a.m.,” the post said.
The science center said even if there is cloud cover staff will have eclipse glasses and a solar telescope if there is a possibility of seeing the eclipse.
Friday, 5 p.m.: What time is the annular eclipse in Oregon?
The eclipse will begin in Oregon shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday, with annularity beginning at about 9:15 a.m.
The eclipse will reach maximum coverage at 9:16 a.m. over the Eugene area, producing near-total darkness. It will appear as if the moon is sliding over the sun, and then clearing off the sun, completely restoring daylight by about 10:30 a.m.
Friday, 4:15 p.m.: Less cloud cover could mean better Oregon eclipse viewing
The forecast for viewing Saturday’s annular solar eclipse has improved dramatically, according to the National Weather Service in Portland.
Earlier this week, predictions about thick cloud cover suggested Oregonians would get mostly shut out.
Forecasters are now predicting 50% cloud cover — or partly cloudy conditions — in the Willamette Valley, including in Albany, Corvallis and Eugene, which are all in the “path of annularity” that will showcase the most dramatic views.
Chances for clear views of the moon crossing in front of the sun look even better further east, with 30% cloud cover forecasted in the Cascade Range and mostly clear conditions in central and southeast Oregon. That would make towns such as Klamath Falls and Lakeview some of the best places to see the eclipse.
-Zach Urness
Friday, 2:30 pm: Watch safely with solar eclipse sunglasses
Do not look at the eclipse with your bare eyes, to prevent serious damage.
Because the sun is not completely blocked by the moon during an annular eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the sun without a special-purpose solar filter, according to NASA.