February 26, 1979 in the U.S. might have looked a lot like what Monday, August 21 of this year will look like: hundreds of thousands of people gazing upward at the total solar eclipse.

A total solar eclipse doesn’t come around that often, and presumably won’t be visible again until 2024, according to NASA. Monday, August 21 will be everyone’s best chance in the U.S. to view it, including the Rogue Valley. With summer’s consistently clear skies, that opens a number of places to view the eclipse from.

While farther north is a more ideal place to see the eclipse in its totality, there are still several locations in the Rogue Valley to watch the moon cross in front of the sun. Open areas are obviously preferred, especially one above the trees. Consider taking a hike to summits like one of the Table Rocks, Pilot Rock, Roxy Ann, or taking a drive up Quartz Creek Road in Hugo.

Science Works is hosting a week-long eclipse event that ends with viewing it on their lawn. Admission to the museum the day of comes with a free pair of safety eclipse viewing glasses. Aug. 21, activities like eclipse demonstrations, making your own pinhole eclipse viewer, and solar sketching will be offered. The museum suggestions purchasing tickets in advance so you’re not stuck in line on the day of the event.

Grants Pass Astronomers are setting up on the corner of G Street and 6th Street in downtown Grants Pass that Monday. Every evening of the first Friday of the month the group sets up with telescopes to study the sky. In 2012 during the partial eclipse, the group set up at the All-Sports Park in Grants Pass, where attendees brought telescopes and others set up educational booths.

Whether it’s with a large, organized group or a few friends, Monday, August 21 at 9 am will be unmissable. Perhaps this is even a perfect excuse to take a day trip to the coast, like Crescent City or Buena Vista state park near Gold Beach, to have a more open view. Luckily, there are countless locations and events here to watch something truly amazing.

Science Works

10 am – 6 pm, Monday – Sunday

1500 E Main St, Ashland

Children 10 – 12 and seniors $10, teens and adults $12