This site offers helpful information for visitors interested in enjoying the eclipse from federal public lands along and near the path of totality in Eastern Oregon. Be sure to check back for additions and updates.
Looking directly at the sun is unsafe except during the brief total phase of a solar eclipse (“totality”), when the moon entirely blocks the sun’s bright face, which will happen only within the narrow path of totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe (link is external)).
The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” (example shown at left) or hand-held solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun; they transmit thousands of times too much sunlight. Refer to the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers (link is external) page for a list of manufacturers and authorized dealers of eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers verified to be compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for such products.
Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter.
Always supervise children using solar filters.
Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After looking at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.
Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury.
Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. Note that solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics.
If you are within the path of totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe (link is external)), remove your solar filter only when the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to look at the remaining partial phases.
Outside the path of totality, you must always use a safe solar filter to view the sun directly.
If you normally wear eyeglasses, keep them on. Put your eclipse glasses on over them, or hold your handheld viewer in front of them.
Note: If your eclipse glasses or viewers are compliant with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, you may look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through them for as long as you wish. Furthermore, if the filters aren't scratched, punctured, or torn, you may reuse them indefinitely. Some glasses/viewers are printed with warnings stating that you shouldn't look through them for more than 3 minutes at a time and that you should discard them if they are more than 3 years old. Such warnings are outdated and do not apply to eclipse viewers compliant with the ISO 12312-2 standard adopted in 2015. To make sure you get (or got) your eclipse glasses/viewers from a supplier of ISO-compliant products, see the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers (link is external) page.
An alternative method for safe viewing of the partially eclipsed sun is pinhole projection (link is external). For example, cross the outstretched, slightly open fingers of one hand over the outstretched, slightly open fingers of the other, creating a waffle pattern. With your back to the sun, look at your hands’ shadow on the ground. The little spaces between your fingers will project a grid of small images on the ground, showing the sun as a crescent during the partial phases of the eclipse. Or just look at the shadow of a leafy tree during the partial eclipse; you'll see the ground dappled with crescent Suns projected by the tiny spaces between the leaves.
A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. By following these simple rules, you can safely enjoy the view and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime. More information:
The solar eclipse on August
21st is expected to attract up to one million visitors in Oregon and many will
likely be visiting public lands. Here are five tips to keep in mind before you
head out into the woods.
1.Have a plan. Make sure you
have a solid plan of where you're going and what you need to bring. Hotels and
campsites are booked, roads will be clogged, and normally remote areas will be
crowded. Fill up your gas tank and stock up on supplies well in advance. Cell
service may not be available so plan your route in advance and bring a hard
copy map. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, stay put, and leave late to
help avoid the crowds.
2.Be prepared. Make sure you
have all the proper supplies and gear including solar glasses, sunscreen, hat
and sunglasses, plenty of food and water, warm clothes, map, flashlights,
pocket knife, and a first-aid kit.
3.Be safe with fire. August is
peak wildfire season in Oregon and a small spark can rapidly become a large
fire. Because of hot and dry conditions many areas have campfire bans in place
so check with local authorities on fire restrictions. If you're camping use a
propane or backpack stove for cooking outdoors not a barbecue grill or
campfire. As Smokey Bear reminds us: Only you can prevent wildfires.
4.Leave No Trace. Help to protect
your Malheur National Forest for everyone to enjoy. Wherever you're visiting
please leave the area better than you found it. Remove all trash and remember
that if you pack it in, pack it out!
5.Have fun. Be safe and be
prepared so that you can have fun and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event. Wear your approved solar eclipse glasses.
The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun.
Make Sure Your Solar Filter is Good to Go
Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter. Always supervise children using solar filters.
Always use your Eclipse Glasses When Looking at the Sun
Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera
Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device. Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury. Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device.
Only Remove Your Solar Filter in the Moments of Totality
If you are within the path of totality, remove your solar filter only when the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to glance at the remaining partial phases.
The solar eclipse on August
21st is expected to attract up to million visitors in Oregon and many will
likely be visiting public land. Here are five tips to keep in mind before you
head out into the woods.
1.Have a plan. Make sure you
have a solid plan of where you're going and what you need to bring. Hotels and
campsites are booked, roads will be clogged, and normally remote areas will be
crowded. Fill up your gas tank and stock up on supplies well in advance. Cell
service may not be available so plan your route in advance and bring a hard
copy map. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, stay put, and leave late to
help avoid the crowds.
2.Be prepared. Make sure you
have all the proper supplies and gear including solar glasses, sunscreen, hat
and sunglasses, plenty of food and water, warm clothes, map, flashlights,
pocket knife, and a first-aid kit.
3.Be safe with fire. August is
peak wildfire season in Oregon and a small spark can rapidly become a large
fire. Because of hot and dry conditions many areas have campfire bans in place
so check with local authorities on fire restrictions. If you're camping use a
propane or backpack stove for cooking outdoors not a barbecue grill or
campfire. As Smokey Bear reminds us: Only you can prevent wildfires.
4.Leave No Trace. Protect our
public lands for everyone to enjoy. Wherever you're visiting please leave the
area better than you found it. Remove all trash and remember that if you pack
it in, pack it out!
5.Have fun. We're excited that
so many people will be enjoying this spectacular event on public land. Be safe
and be prepared so that you can have fun and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime
event.
Eclipse chasers from around the world are expected to come
to Oregon to see this rare astronomical event. The path of totality spreads
across a relatively rural area of the state that isn’t used to such large
numbers of visitors. For this reason, it’s important to show up with
accommodations booked and ready with a plan. Here are some tips to ensure a
good time for all.
RESERVE
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels and campsites have been booked for months and even years.
If you don’t have lodging reservations already, consider staying farther from
the path of totality.
BE PREPARED FOR
TRAFFIC
Many small communities have only one road leading in and
out. These will inevitably get backed up, making traffic a real problem. To
reduce congestion, plan to arrive at least one full day, and ideally several
days, in advance of the event. Avoid traveling into the path of totality on the
day of the eclipse, August 21, 2017.
BRING A MAP
You may encounter spotty cell phone and GPS reception in
rural Oregon during the eclipse. The increase of cell phone usage will overwork
services and make connections tougher. Know where you’re going, and don’t
expect to rely on your phone or online maps. You can order a highway map online
at TravelOregon.com.
FUEL UP
Most service stations won’t allow drivers to pump their own
gas, so sit back and let the attendant do it for you. Expect long distances between
gas stations in rural areas, so calculate your fuel needs in advance.
PACK PROVISIONS
There are a limited number of restaurants in some of
Oregon’s beautiful, remote places, and these eateries may run out of food. Make
sure you have picnic supplies, snacks, water and anything else that will help
you stay happy if you can’t find a meal.
BRING ECLIPSE GLASSES
To watch the eclipse safely, everyone will need
eclipse-viewing glasses, which block harmful light from damaging your vision. You
can get complimentary glasses at welcome centers around the state.
CARRY SOME CASH
The ATMs in these small to medium towns won’t be accustomed to
dispensing so many bills. While most services in Oregon take credit cards,
there are places in rural areas that only take cash.
PREPARE FOR SUN AND
HOT TEMPERATURES
Temps can reach over 100 degrees in summer, especially at
inland destinations. Pack hats, sunscreen, ice water or whatever you can to
help beat the heat.
ACT LOCAL
Oregonians are pretty nice. Smile, say hello, wait your turn
at stop signs and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. While you’re
there
LEAVE NO TRACE
When traveling around Oregon, it’s important to practice
“Leave No Trace” ethics, which includes leaving sites as you found them, disposing
of waste responsibly, respecting wildlife and being considerate of other
visitors.
DON’T TRESPASS
Many public buildings and private properties are not able to
accommodate visitors. Make sure you are not trespassing.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION
August is peak wildfire season in Oregon, so please be
vigilant about extinguishing and disposing cigarettes. Know fire risks and respect
fire restrictions, including campfire bans. Avoid parking or driving on dry
grass, as your vehicle can spark a wildfire. In many areas, drivers are
required to carry a shovel and fire extinguisher or gallon of water in their
car.
AVOID EXCESSIVE WASTE
Consider packing large water containers and refilling them with
tap water. Oregon’s water is some of the best in the world, so there’s no need
to buy bottled water.
If you are within the path of totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe (link is external)), remove your solar filter only when the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to look at the remaining partial phases.
