Solar Eclipse Watch Party

Following in their ancestor’s footsteps, the Irish-named town of Bandon, Oregon will be among the first to record this year’s annular solar eclipse when it reaches the United States on October 14.

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon, at or near its farthest point from Earth, passes between the Sun and Earth. Because the Moon is too far away from the Earth to completely block out the sun, it creates a brilliant ring sometimes called a “ring of fire.”

Bandon is planning a “festival of light” watch party to celebrate this “ring of fire.” On the Oregon Coast, the eclipse will be viewable roughly between just north of Port Orford and just south of Lincoln City.

In Bandon, the partial eclipse begins at 8:05 a.m. and lasts about 2.5 hours. The annular eclipse begins at 9:16 a.m. PDT and lasts about 3 minutes.

So, secure your protective eye gear and head to the giant sea stack “stones” on Bandon’s coast for this rare and gorgeous viewing event. You’ll want to join the fun at this early-morning watch party and view the eclipse with other celestial watchers from here, there, and everywhere.