Here’s when and how to view the partial solar eclipse in Oregon in April 2024

Danny Peterson
·3 min read

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The upcoming eclipse, whose path of totality is hitting the United States next month, won’t make as large of an impact in Oregon as the one in 2017. However, parts of Oregon, including Portland, will be in the path of a partial eclipse.

On April 8, there will be a 23% partial eclipse in Portland, according to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. While the entire eclipse event spans from 10:33 a.m. to 12:19 p.m., the peak or “maximum eclipse” will occur at 11:25 a.m. when the moon covers 23% of the sun’s diameter.

Smelly, jellyfish-like creatures wash up on Oregon beaches

In Portland, the partial eclipse will appear 45 degrees above the southeastern horizon, with it becoming increasingly more partial as one travels southeasterly. Of the Oregon cities where the partial eclipse occurs, Jordan Valley is the most prominent at 35% while the least-prominent location is Astoria, at 20%. Below is the entire list of Oregon cities where the partial eclipse will occur.

Cities

Time max eclipse

Partial Eclipse

Portland

11:25 a.m.

23 %

Pendleton

11:30 a.m.

28%

Ontario

11:30 a.m.

33%

Bend

11:25 a.m.

26%

Eugene

11:23 a.m.

23%

Roseburg

11:21 a.m.

24%

Klamath Falls

11:21 a.m.

28%

Burns

11:27 a.m.

30%

Jordan Valley

11:28 a.m.

35%

Astoria

11:25 a.m.

20%

Newport

11:22 a.m.

21%

Coos Bay

11:18 a.m.

23%

The path of the total eclipse will happen in states outside Oregon, including New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and parts of Canada and Mexico.

‘Ode to Old Town’ mural features the neighborhood’s most notable figures, venues

Because the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley are both known to have morning fog and clouds in April, OMSI Director of Space Science Education Jim Todd said the optimal viewing location is east of the Cascades.

“The ideal climate with less clouds is in the east of the Cascades towards the Idaho / Nevada borders,” Todd said.

An illustration of what the partial eclipse will look like in Portland, Oregon at 11:25 a.m. on April 8, 2024 (courtesy OMSI).
An illustration of what the partial eclipse will look like in Portland, Oregon at 11:25 a.m. on April 8, 2024 (courtesy OMSI).

It can be dangerous to view a partial — or even full eclipse — without eyewear to protect the viewer from the sun’s harmful rays. For that reason, Todd recommended using specialized solar viewing glasses, which are available at the OMSI Science Store.

In addition, the science museum rated as one of the best in the nation, according to Newsweek, will be hosting a partial eclipse party, complete with a talk from a special educator, eclipse-themed treats and space science activities. There will be a viewing event to see the partial eclipse at the front plaza outside or a live stream in the Planetarium from cities along the eclipse’s path of totality. The festivities begin at OMSI on April 8 at 10 a.m.

Vancouver Safe Stay site provides ‘sense of stability’ by allowing pets

In 2017, the total solar eclipse, which was visible in Oregon, was witnessed by 20 million people, reaching all the way to South Carolina. This year, the eclipse duration of totality will be nearly double 2017’s, at 4 minutes 27 seconds.

After this year, the next eclipse to hit in North America won’t happen again until 2033, in Alaska. However, an eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, can be viewed in its totality from Greenland, Iceland and Spain.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.