Ring of Fire Eclipse

Timelapse of the 2017 total solar eclipse in Lincoln City

Calling all astro-tourists! The Ring of Fire solar eclipse is coming to Lincoln City on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Oregon will be the first state in the country to witness this annular eclipse, as it continues down a path towards Texas. This is a rare opportunity to witness the magnificence of our solar system, as the moon passes in front of the sun and casts an enormous shadow on the earth.

There are three different types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular. You might remember the “Great American Eclipse” of August 2017, which also passed through Lincoln City. That was a total solar eclipse, with the moon appearing larger than the sun. The Ring of Fire will be an annular eclipse, with the moon appearing smaller than the sun. This will create a slightly different spectacle in the sky - with a visible “ring of fire” of the sun’s light around the moon.

The Ring of Fire’s path of annularity, where an eclipse can be viewed from earth, will pass just by Lincoln City. Oregon’s section of this path has a northernmost limit in Gleneden Beach, just south of Lincoln City, and continues down the coast for about 130 miles, with a southernmost limit near Bandon, Oregon. While Lincoln City is technically just a couple of miles north of this limit, visitors can still observe over 90 percent of the visible eclipse here in town.

How to view the eclipse in Lincoln City, Oregon

Be sure to head out early – the partial eclipse will begin around 8:00 a.m., and the maximum eclipse will occur at 9:18 a.m. in Lincoln City, lasting about 3 minutes.

The sun will still be rising in the east at this time. So grab a cup of coffee at one of Lincoln City’s charming local shops, such as Nyla’s Cup of Jo, Pacific Grind Cafe, or a donut from Depoe Baykery, and head out to a public park to find your perfect viewing spot. Regatta Park would be an excellent choice, with the park facing east towards the eclipse, as well as a picture-perfect view of Devil’s Lake and the Oregon Coast Mountain Range. Regatta Park has plenty of parking spots, restrooms, a walking trail, picnic area and playground, to accommodate the needs of everyone in your group. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and spread out on the park’s grassy field with open sky views.

And remember to bring your camera – eclipses can create surreal, crescent-shaped shadows that you won’t see during any other time of the year. Imagine the kaleidoscopic shadows cast by a grandfather Sitka spruce. Capture the moment before it’s gone!

While Lincoln City hopes for sunny skies on the day of the eclipse, there is always a chance of overcast skies and rain. If it is a cloudy day on October 14, the magic of the eclipse can still be experienced when the birds suddenly get quiet, the skies darken and the temperature dips. It is a cosmic force that cannot be missed, rain or shine.

HOW TO SAFELY VIEW THE ECLIPSE

While eclipses are natural wonders that should be enjoyed by everyone, they also carry inherent risk. It is never safe to look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. It is essential to wear certified solar-filtering eclipse glasses at all times to avoid permanent injury to the eye. You can purchase eclipse glasses at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry Store, pick up a free pair from a Travel Oregon Welcome Center from October 1 through October 14 (while supplies last), or grab some at The People’s Coast Shop, through the Oregon Coast Visitors Association.

Alternatively, you can view an eclipse indirectly by creating a pinhole projector from aluminum foil and a sheet of white paper.

It is not advisable to bring pets to an eclipse viewing party, as they may be distressed during this strange occurrence. It is also important to practice caution when driving during the eclipse, as there may be distracted drivers on the road.

If you are viewing the eclipse from the beach, remember to never turn your back on the sea. The ocean is unpredictable, and hazards can occur on a moment’s notice.

KEEP LINCOLN CITY CLEAN & BEAUTIFUL

The Oregon coast has some of the most beautiful and pristine terrain in the country. Let’s try to keep it that way, so everyone can enjoy the richness of this land for generations to come. While enjoying public spaces:

• Be sure to not litter
  • Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace of trash, leftover food or other remains.
• Don't trespass
  • Lincoln City has 29 public beach access sites. Be sure to use those official access sites, and not privately-owned entrances.
• Respect wildlife
  • View wildlife from a distance - through binoculars or a camera lens. Do not approach or attempt to feed animals.
• Keep pets on leashes at all times
  • While it is not advised to bring pets to eclipse viewing events, be sure to keep them on a leash if they do join you.
    

We hope that you enjoy this special astronomical event coming to Lincoln City, and use this opportunity to learn more about the solar system that we all call home.