FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Eclipse Excitement

by Patricia Vanikiotis

Oct 7, 2023

Depending on what part of the country (or world) you live, you may have already heard quite a bit about an upcoming eclipse, or it may be totally off your radar. I’m speaking of the annular solar eclipse due to sweep across several U.S. states next Saturday, beginning along Oregon’s Pacific coast and exiting in Texas near Corpus Christi.

What is an annular eclipse? Unlike a total solar eclipse, the sun is not completely blotted out by the moon. Instead, “annular”  refers to a ring of bright sunlight, or annulus, also known as a “ring of fire,” that is visible around the moon during the maximum phase of an annular solar eclipse. Annular eclipse of the sun  The path of annularity is about 125 miles wide, and it will sweep from the Oregon coast south and east through Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and, finally, to Texas. The period of annularity (where close to 90 percent of the sun is obscured by the moon) ranges from about half a minute up to 4.5 minutes, depending where you are in that path. In Oregon the annular eclipse begins at 9:13 a.m. PDT, and it ends in Texas at 12:03 p.m. CDT. The partial eclipse begins on the Oregon coast at just after 8 a.m., reaches annularity between 9:13 and 9:24 a.m., and the partial eclipse ends in the state at 10:47 a.m. The NASA website offers lots of interesting graphics and maps to show the track of the eclipse and when to see it in your area.

As with the total solar eclipse that passed directly over Oregon in the summer of 2017, state and private entities in the path of annularity are anticipating lots of  interest and visitors. The state parks website provides a map identifying all the state parks which lie within the eclipse’s shadow and provides tips and safety information for viewing the event. At this point, most of the campsites have already been reserved, as has lodging in those areas. And while the eclipse passes through a long section of the state, some places might be more promising for good viewing than others. Coastal areas may provide some dramatic shots, but early morning in the fall along the ocean could bring low fog . . . or even soggier conditions.

Smart money calls for the most promising weather conditions over the southern and eastern parts of the state, particularly east of the Cascade Mountains where drier, sunnier weather is more likely than to the north and west. Crater Lake National Park tops many lists of where to view the eclipse, as it will offer one of the longest periods of annularity and many elevated viewpoints of spectacular beauty. Crater Lake National Park  It is late in the season, however, so even snow could factor in, and most of the campgrounds are already closed for the season, so visitors will have to plan ahead. A little further east, and at a much lower elevation, lies the town of Klamath Falls and Upper Klamath Lake, offering more wide-open vistas and a longer viewing period. Upper Klamath Lake

Plenty of businesses in the path of the eclipse are offering special packages and viewing opportunities, from a tribal casino to a small ski hill, offering the chance to ride a ski lift to view the eclipse (viewing glasses included) for just $10. Educational opportunities also abound, including a local hands-on science museum‘s all-day Annular Eclipse Party, while high school students from a small rural school in south-central Oregon will be launching weather balloons sponsored by NASA next week.

And where will I be viewing the eclipse? Well, fortunately I live just within the southern boundary of the path of annularity, which means I will have about 2.5 minutes to observe about 89 percent of the sun being obscured by the moon without having to leave home . . . though I may actually seek out some elevated ground nearby for the most unobstructed views. I’ll be looking for that ring of fire and perhaps the diamond ring effect and maybe even Baily’s beads. First, though, I’ve got to track down a pair of those safe viewing glasses, or else resort to a homemade cardboard viewer. simple eclipse viewer

I’ll let you know how my experience with viewing this phenomenon goes . . . fingers crossed for clear skies!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Nov 4, 2024

Have an Autumn Wine Soiree The SLO Way in San Luis Obispo

Yes, it’s harvest time — and that means great fall wine festivals, including the third annual Autumn Soirée The SLO Way Nov. 9 on California’s Central Coast. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Garden Courtyard at luxury boutique Hotel San Luis Obispo, recognized as a MICHELIN Guide One Key property.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

Daily
Nov 4, 2024

7 Hotel Restaurants Worth the Travel

Book a reservation at one of these hotel restaurants around the country, providing excellent dining experiences you won’t soon forget.

Slideshow
Nov 4, 2024

7 Reasons to Put Strasbourg, France, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Strasbourg, France, with us.

United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD

Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.

Daily
Nov 4, 2024

8 Must-Have (and Must-Pack) Perfumes for 2025

Still on the search for your next favorite perfume? Whether traveling, heading out to a fancy dinner or simply spending the day at home, finding the scent that works for you and lasts for hours is essential. These are our eight perfume recommendations for 2025:

Daily
Oct 31, 2024

Make The Londoner Hotel Your West End Base

In London’s arts-central West End district, The Londoner Hotel is an ideal spot to unpack for an active, experience-focused stay. Part of the Edwardian Hotels luxury collection, this swish property offers 350 guestrooms and suites, along with private screening rooms, a ballroom, meeting spaces, and six concept dining and bar selections. There’s also The Retreat, where guests can immerse themselves in a wellness journey featuring a pool; sauna; hydropool; steam room; tranquil cabanas; and a curated selection of holistic body therapies, massages and facials.

Remarkable Medellín

Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.

Daily
Oct 31, 2024

Ananda in the Himalayas Unveils New Deluxe Suites, Renovations

The Ananda in the Himalayas, a wellness retreat, recently debuted new additions to its luxury accommodations and a series of stylish renovations to its premier suites.