The 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse will be visible in Southern Oregon at approximately 9:18 a.m. on Saturday, October 14.
 
The much awaited solar eclipse Saturday, October 14, will be visible in Southern Oregon at approximately 9:18 a.m. and last 1 m 6s. The line of the eclipse will make landfall on the Oregon Coast and then pass over Albany, Eugene, Crater Lake National Park, Roseburg, Southern Oregon and Lakeview before continuing southeast.
 
The eclipse this Saturday will look different than the eclipse in 2017, which was a total solar eclipse. Instead of the moon covering the sun completely, the moon is now farther from the Earth and will only cover 95% of the sun. The result will be a bright sun ring, also called a ring of fire, which is known as annularity.
 
Possible vantage points include Mt Ashland, Grizzly Peak or the Travel Oregon Welcome Center - Ashland. The Travel Center will host a solar eclipse party and hand out free viewing glasses. The festivities will take place on the patio at the center, located at milepost 12.7 on Interstate 5, just south of Ashland. “It’s a good idea to get above the clouds or fog for optimal viewing,” according to Sabrina Cotta, Deputy City Manager for Ashland. “Plan to look toward the eastern horizon.”
 
As a safety reminder, do not look at the eclipse with your bare eyes. Looking at the eclipse without proper eyewear can cause serious damage. Eclipse glasses are available at the Northwest Nature Shop in Ashland for $2.25, the Ashland Public Library at no charge or at the Travel Oregon Welcome Center – Ashland at no charge.
 
Be prepared for congestion in Southern Oregon, as many events are happening the weekend of October 14 and 15:

• Bikes n Brews
• Heart of the Rogue Festival
• Rogue Valley Marathon
• Southern Oregon University Raider Football – Homecoming

It is a good idea to always be prepared for an emergency. View the City of Ashland Evacuation Map, sign up for alerts and more at ashland.or.us/BetterPrepared. Visitors are encouraged to sign up while in town by texting 97520 to 888777. “It’s easy to opt in, and it’s easy to opt out. There is no reason to not be prepared,” according to the City of Ashland, Emergency Management Coordinator, Kelly Burns. 
 
Due to construction on Ashland St, it is recommended that motorists find an alternate route. Other main arteries in Ashland include East Main, Siskiyou Blvd and N Main.  For more information on the City of Ashland, visit ashland.or.us.
 
The next total solar eclipse that will be seen in the United States is on April 8, 2024; however, Oregon residents will only see a partial eclipse. After that, the next solar eclipse expected to cross the U.S. will not be until 2044. The next annular eclipse that will pass over Oregon is in 2046.
 
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