Seattle Astronomy Podcast · Greg Scheiderer

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 in Salem, Oregon

·22 min·2 clips

Greg Scheiderer explores the 2017 total solar eclipse path, targeting Salem, Oregon for a unique viewing experience.

This episode focuses on planning for the 2017 total solar eclipse in Salem, Oregon, the location closest to the podcast's Seattle base. Host Greg Scheiderer interviews Jim Todd, the director of space science education at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Todd is organizing a major public viewing event at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem. The event will run from 7 a.m. to noon on August 21, featuring astronomers from the Oregon Observatory and NASA representatives. A musical performance by the Portland Tyco Band is scheduled during the eclipse. Salem expects totality to last approximately one minute and 55 seconds, with the entire partial eclipse phase spanning about two and a half hours. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is coordinating with multiple organizations to manage the anticipated large crowds. The fairgrounds location was selected for its open space and capacity to host thousands of visitors. Preparations include arranging parking, food vendors, and educational activities for attendees. The path of totality for this eclipse is only about 70 miles wide, making precise location planning critical. Salem's proximity to the dense population of the Portland metro area is a significant factor driving the expected attendance. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the continental United States since 1979. The short duration of totality emphasizes the importance of being within the narrow path for the full experience. Organizers highlight the profound difference between witnessing a partial eclipse and the complete darkness of totality. The collaboration aims to create a communal, celebratory atmosphere around the astronomical event. Logistics like early arrival are stressed as key to securing a good viewing spot amid the crowds. The tone is informational and practical, guiding listeners through the event details and logistics. The style is a straightforward interview, focused on planning and community engagement. Amateur astronomers and Pacific Northwest residents planning their eclipse viewing will find this episode particularly useful. Listeners seeking deep scientific explanations or personal narrative stories might find the content too focused on logistical planning.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Seattle Astronomy Podcast