2017 SOLAR ECLIPSE: Where to watch it in/near West Seattle

(Photo by Jamie Kinney, who got this view of the sun – with sunspots – while practicing telescope photography in advance of tomorrow)

If you haven’t finalized where you’re watching tomorrow morning’s solar eclipse, here’s a list of nearby gatherings – some of which you might already have found in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

First – as expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen has warned (among many others) – DON’T LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT SPECIAL EQUIPMENT! If you didn’t already get viewing glasses (the comment section on our original report from last weekend morphed into a marketplace of sorts), some viewing parties will have glasses – sharing might be required.

Second – from Alice’s “eclipse basics” report here on WSB, the West Seattle timeline for tomorrow:

Start of partial eclipse: 9:08 am

Maximum eclipse: 10:20 am — Coverage of the Sun: 92%

End of partial eclipse: 11:56 am

HIGH POINT LIBRARY: 8:30-11:30 am – here rae the details. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

SOUTH PARK COMMUNITY CENTER: 8:30-11:30 am – here are the details. (8319 8th Ave. S.)

NEW – WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION VIEWING PARTY: 9-11:30 am – the invitation from the WS Junction Association:

Solar Eclipse viewing party at Junction Plaza Park.

On the event that could be the largest scientific viewing in human history, the total solar eclipse will occur at 10:20 am. During a total solar eclipse, the Sun is entirely blocked by the Moon, and in totality, night appears in the middle of the day. While Seattle is not on the path of totality we will experience a partial eclipse with over 92% of the Sun blocked, still an event to behold.

BYOSG (bring your own solar glasses). We’ll have refreshments and snacks.

(42nd SW/SW Alaska)

MUSEUM OF FLIGHT: Watch outside the Museum of Flight‘s entrance for free 9:30-10:30 am; NASA broadcast inside as it moves across the country, included with museum admission. And then see the NASA plane that will be up over Oregon during totality, as it arrives back at Boeing Field. Full details here. (9404 E. Marginal Way S.)

WATCHING ON THE WATER: Thinking about watching on a state ferry, since you won’t have to worry about buildings blocking your view if you’re out in the middle of Puget Sound? Here’s the official bulletin sent by Washington State Ferries today:

ALL ROUTES: Between approximately 9:05 and 11:40 a.m. on Monday, August 21, the moon will block a portion of the sun — with a peak of 92-percent coverage at 10:20 a.m. Some of the best views of this solar eclipse will be aboard a Washington State Ferry. However, all passengers are advised to take precautions before viewing the eclipse, as looking directly at the sun is extremely harmful to your eyes. Seattle’s Pacific Science Center advises everyone to view the eclipse with an approved special solar filter, such as glasses or a pinhole projector. Please protect yourself, and we hope you enjoy this rare event.

Nearest route to our area is Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth – the schedule is here. If you walk on, keep in mind that you do have to disembark at Southworth, even if you are walking right back on to finish the round trip.

Anything in the area that we’ve missed? Please comment, or e-mail us (editor@westseattleblog.com) so we can add!

P.S. From Alice’s previous eclipse previews, a resource list, including how to watch online:

NASA Eclipse 2017
Interactive Google Map #1
Interactive Google Map #2 (works better on phones than #1)
American Astronomical Society Eclipse 2017
Mr. Eclipse
Clear Sky Chart: the astronomer’s forecast for the next couple days. Cloudcover, darkness, and “seeing” which is how nice it is to view the stars, all on one handy chart.

20 Replies to "2017 SOLAR ECLIPSE: Where to watch it in/near West Seattle"

  • Vanessa August 20, 2017 (8:14 pm)

    Any tips on the best places to see the sun from West Seattle? Maybe Hamilton View Park? Alki beach by Marination? (My house faces west and a big hill is east of me, so I’m thinking my house will not be a great location. Heh.)

  • The Rog August 20, 2017 (8:50 pm)

    I have one pair of glasses if anybody needs. I can text you if you leave a #. I’m near Met Market on admiral. $15

    • Bill August 20, 2017 (11:38 pm)

      Still got em?

  • Brittany August 20, 2017 (9:29 pm)

    Please text me 503-338-8812

  • AmandaK August 20, 2017 (10:17 pm)

    No extortion needed.  Here’s how to make a viewer.

    http://www.npr.org/2017/08/17/543633362/make-your-own-eclipse-viewer

  • Mark August 20, 2017 (10:45 pm)

    AmandaK thank you for link.  

  • Swede. August 20, 2017 (11:38 pm)

    Any of the many new apartment buildings got decks on the roofs. Totally unobtrusive view up there. Even if you don’t live in one of them I’m pretty sure the personnel working in them will let you up because it’s a fairly special occasion. 

    *participation and friendliness might vary. Good luck. 

  • Fin August 21, 2017 (2:21 am)

    I think it would be fun to drive down to Oregon to see the eclipse. How long of a drive is it to Salem?

    • Kassandre August 21, 2017 (8:24 am)

      About 4 hours 

  • Yolanda August 21, 2017 (6:13 am)

    I have a couple of glasses available for $15 a pair ! Made by websun. 

    • Tanya August 21, 2017 (6:35 am)

      I’m interested! Text @ 206-914-8302

    • Samantha D August 21, 2017 (7:55 am)

      Do you still have some? 9739004652

    • Christie August 21, 2017 (8:02 am)

      I’m interested if they are still available.  

    • Samantha d August 21, 2017 (8:46 am)

      Do you still have any left? Is love to buy a pair. 9739004652 

  • Tristan August 21, 2017 (7:29 am)

    Think this fog will clear?

    • Mark wilkerson August 21, 2017 (8:14 am)

      No worries. And if it doesn’t clear just view it as an eclipse of the eclipse.  Extra special. 

  • Little Bear in Shorewood August 21, 2017 (8:09 am)

    Some folks at my office are saying you can put your phone in selfie mode and view that way? What’s the official word on that? I’m skeptical.

    Thanks! 

    • AMD August 21, 2017 (9:10 am)

      Don’t.  It can damage the optics in your camera (phone or otherwise).

  • Alki res August 21, 2017 (8:45 am)

    Still super foggy in upper alki. Are there any clear spots yet in west Seattle?  Highland park/water tower maybe?

  • Mark August 21, 2017 (9:35 am)

    Fin

    It might be 4 hours on a typical day, but think WSB on a weekday morning all the way south.

    Mark

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