OMSI Media Contact John Farmer | jfarmer@omsi.edu | 503.797.4517

Total Solar Eclipse - Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse? A: In a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. In a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun (that’s when you see the Moon turn red at night). Q: When was the last time we had a total solar eclipse in Oregon like the one we expect to see in August? A: February 26, 1979 Q. When will we see another total solar eclipse in Oregon? A. After 2017, the next total eclipse in Oregon will be June 25, 2169. Q: How often do solar eclipses happen? A: Eclipses, both solar and lunar, happen every year across the planet. This is the first time since 1979 that Oregon will witness a total solar eclipse. Q. Where is the best place to view the eclipse? A. Madras is the best place to view the eclipse in Oregon due to the high potential for favorable weather conditions. Oregon will be one of the most popular states to view the eclipse. While the rest of the United States offers a longer duration of totality, sections of the eclipse path in Oregon offers the best weather prospects anywhere along the entire eclipse path. Q. What is the path of totality? A. We have a great video that shows the moon’s path of totality across the US on our website: https://www.omsi.edu/eclipse-2017 Q. Where can I get an accurate weather forecast for the day of the eclipse? A. We will be using the National Weather Service for our weather report. Common Eclipse Terms Total Eclipse / Totality: when the moon completely covers the sun Partial Eclipse: when the moon covers only a portion of the sun Path of totality: The path of the moon’s shadow across the face of the Earth Corona: the outermost layer of the sun First contact: when the partial phase of an eclipse begins Second contact: when the total phase of an eclipse begins Third contact: when the total phase of an eclipse ends Last contact: when the partial phase of an eclipse ends Eclipse Viewing Event - Frequently Asked Questions Q: When was the viewing event announced? A: The viewing party was announced one year prior to the eclipse date, August 21, 2016. Tickets went on sale August 25. Q: How many people do you expect to attend this year’s event? A: We are estimating more than 8,000 guests. Q: How long will the event last? A: The event is 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 21, 2017. Maximum Totality is at 10:18am. Q: Why are you hosting the event in Salem?

OMSI Media Contact John Farmer | jfarmer@omsi.edu | 503.797.4517

A: Salem is in the path of complete totality, and will be the first capital in the country to see the eclipse. The Oregon State Fairgrounds is well suited to host a large event of this nature. Q: Are there any other activities planned in addition to viewing the eclipse? A: There will be presentations by space science experts, educational demonstrations and activities, and local astronomy organizations. A detailed schedule will be confirmed in the next few months. Q. Where do I get viewing glasses? A. Only look at the sun when it is 100% covered. You must use special solar viewing glasses whenever the sun isn’t completely eclipsed or it may cause irreparable eye damage. Viewing party tickets include solar viewing glasses. Solar eclipse glasses are currently available for purchase in the OMSI Science Store for guests unable to attend the viewing party. Q: Do I need to purchase solar eclipse viewing glasses at the Eclipse Viewing Event? A: No, they are included with your ticket. Q. Can I bring my own telescope? A. No, but solar scopes will be available for viewing at the event. Q: Is there handicap parking available? A: Yes. Parking will be $5 cash for all vehicles at the event. Q: Is the amphitheater wheelchair accessible? A: Yes, there will be a ramp for wheelchair access to the seats. Q: Does my ticket include a guaranteed seat in the amphitheater? A: Yes. Q: Is there guaranteed parking for all ticket holders? A: Yes. Parking is $5 cash for all vehicles. Q: How long will it take to get from Portland to Salem the day of the event? A: While we can’t answer this question definitively, we recommend you add 1-2 hours to your planned travel time. Q: Where can I stay overnight in Salem? A: All hotels and state campsites in Salem are completely full. RV camping is still available at the Fairgrounds. Travel Salem is the best resource for lodging. Additional Resources OMSI Eclipse Site: https://www.omsi.edu/eclipse-2017 NASA Eclipse Site: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/ Exploratorium Eclipse Site: https://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse Google Earth Interactive Eclipse Map: http://bit.ly/2kodqaR