• MHCC Planetarium Preview: This Summer’s Rare Total Solar Eclipse

    On August 21, parts of Oregon will have front-row seats to the first total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States since 1979.

    Posted: 5/24/2017

    05242017-Map
    The map shows a band illustrating the area where the total solar
    eclipse can be observed and how long totality will last. Areas such
    as McMinnville (and Aurora) are just inside the path of totality,
    and darkness will last less than a minute there. However, by
    going further south (e.g., south of Salem), totality will last
    for about 2 minutes. Map courtesy of NASA.

    While people in the Portland and Gresham area may notice little different about the sun that Monday, those located further south – within the path the sun and moon will take across the Earth, including in Newport, Salem and Madras, Ore. – will experience day turning into night for as long as two minutes.

    “Many people have seen pictures of a total solar eclipse, but few have actually experienced one,” said MHCC Planetarium Director Pat Hanrahan.

    Hanrahan will discuss this unique solar event during his June planetarium show, titled “This Summer’s Rare Total Solar Eclipse.” The show will delve into the various effects that can occur during the eclipse, and discuss what people can do to safely view the event.

    Catch “This Summer’s Rare Total Solar Eclipse” on Tuesday, June 6, at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., and on Friday, June 9, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. This will be the last regular-season planetarium show until October. However, at least one special, to-be-determined summer planetarium show will occur.

    Visitors may ask questions during the 45-minute live program, and children are encouraged to attend. The Planetarium is wheelchair accessible. Admission for the general public is $5, and $2 for children (17 and younger) and MHCC students (with school IDs). Seating is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. More information, visit mhcc.edu/planetarium.