SWOCC release – Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College welcomes eclipse viewers, science enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages to our Coos Campus to view the Annular Solar Eclipse on the morning of Saturday, October 14, 2023. The eclipse begins at 8:04 am, increases to annularity at 9:18 am, and concludes at 10:38 am. On October 14, 2023, an annular eclipse passes over Coos Bay, and the subsequent total solar eclipse will be visible in the Southern and Eastern United States on April 8, 2024. The annular eclipse seen locally on the 14th will appear as a “ring of fire” eclipse that blocks 95% of the sun but shows a ring of solar emission around the Moon’s shadow. Join us in Henry Hansen Union Square (grassy quad area in the center of campus) at 8 am to prepare. Weather permitting, we will have solar telescopes and eclipse glasses available for use during the eclipse. The College will also be hosting an eclipse-themed planetarium show in the Hales Center for the Performing Arts following the eclipse. Our current STEAM Student Art Exhibit, Beyond the Golden Record, will be open for viewing in the Eden Hall Art Gallery as well. The art exhibit celebrates 45 years of exploration since the launches of the Voyager missions. For more information contact Dr. Aaron Coyner, Associate Professor of Physics, at 541-888-7244, aaron.coyner@socc.edu. For information on other departmental events and outreach opportunities contact Krystal Hopper Meyers, STEAM Pathways Assistant, at krystal.hopper@socc.edu, 541-888-7416. To learn more about physics degrees at Southwestern visit www.socc.edu/physics.
