The Total Solar Eclipse happening Aug. 21 will be viewable all over North America, however, Central Oregon will be one of the best spots on earth to see it. An estimated half-a-million visitors will travel to Madras and surrounding areas to see approximately two minutes and two seconds of complete darkness around 10:19 a.m.
Madras is located in the line of totality, so hopefully its reputation for clear skies will hold for everyone to see this unique natural event. Weather predictions for Monday, Aug. 21 call for sun and some clouds (source: https://www.accuweather.com.)
As the moon begins to pass between the sun and the earth starting around 9:06 a.m., viewers in Madras will witness the shadow darkening the peak of nearby Mt. Jefferson at about 9:06 a.m. The ski will go black as the area will plunge into total darkness for two minutes at 10:19 a.m.
Experts predict traffic will be at a standstill, and a drive that would normally take an hour could take nine or ten hours. You may just want to settle for views of a partial eclipse at your hotel or campsite near Bend and surrounding areas.
For more info, visit http://madraseclipse.com/.
Copyright: beholdereye / 123RF Stock Photo
