This Week on Beyond Your Front Door
The 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse — Coming Soon!
Get ready, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Oregon - the path of an annular solar eclipse will pass overhead on October 14, 2023, with the central path passing directly over Oregon's south-central coast.
"During an annular eclipse the moon does not block the entirety of the sun, but leaves a bright ring of light visible at the edges. Scientists often use an eclipse to help calibrate the instruments on the telescope by focusing in on the edge of the moon as it crosses the sun and measuring how sharp it appears in the images." (Credit: JAXA/NASA/Hinode)
Learn about the different types of solar eclipses, what scientists study during an eclipse, and where to best see the October 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse on this week's show with Eugene Astronomical Society's Jerry Oltion and Dan Beacham.
The path of the annular solar eclipse will pass directly over Florence, Oregon, on the south-central coast of Oregon, on the same day that the City's annual Circles in the Sand event takes place in front of Driftwood Shores on Heceta Beach.
Jerry and Dan have been on the show before sharing about dark skies and stargazing. Listen to that show online.
Photo credit: JAXA/NASA/Hinode
Recent Shows (available online now)
Oregon Coast Quests - clue-driven learning adventures!
Beauty from the Beast - How Geologic Forces Shape the Landscape and People of the PNW
Beauty from the Beast - How Geologic Forces Shape the Landscape and People of the PNW
"[Oregon Coast] Quests are fun, free-choice learning adventures that use clues and hints to encourage participants to discover the natural, cultural and historical "treasures" of place and community.
"Suitable for all ages, self-guided Quests allow lifelong learners to explore parks, trails and other outdoor spaces in new ways and at their own pace. At the end of each interpretive Quest, participants find a hidden box containing a logbook to sign and a hand-carved stamp to mark their accomplishment. The true "treasure" is the fun of the walk and learning about special places in the community." — Oregon Coast Quests website.
Beauty from the Beast - How Geologic Forces Shape the Landscape and People of the PNW
Beauty from the Beast - How Geologic Forces Shape the Landscape and People of the PNW
Beauty from the Beast - How Geologic Forces Shape the Landscape and People of the PNW
For over 35 Million years, geologic forces have been working to shape the landscape of the Pacific Northwest, from the Cascade Mountain Range (approximately 150 miles inland) to the coast.
These forces, known as "plate tectonics," have created mountains and valleys which, in turn, have altered PNW weather patterns and directly influenced human life throughout the area. Author Dr. Robert (Bob) J. Lillie refers to it as "Beauty from the Beast"- the beast being earthquakes, tsunamis and other destructive forces caused by plate tectonics that have resulted in some of the most beautiful coastline in the world.
Bob's background as a National Park Interpretive Ranger and Oregon State University Geology Professor provide him with a wonderful ability to share this complex story in terms that everyone can understand and appreciate. More...
Photo courtesy Bob Lillie.
Walk Giant Coastal Labyrinths with Circles in the Sand
Beauty from the Beast - How Geologic Forces Shape the Landscape and People of the PNW
Walk Giant Coastal Labyrinths with Circles in the Sand
In 2011, artist Denny Dyke began creating elaborate labyrinths on the beach in Bandon, OR, for his own walking meditations. Today, hundreds of people flock to Bandon and other coastal locations to walk his "Circles in the Sand" -- labyrinths he creates along with a small team of artists.
Learn about the history of Circles in the Sand, how his labyrinths have inspired others, and what drives Denny to continue creating his fantastic works of art that are washed away each day with the incoming tide.
Denny returns to Driftwood Shores at Heceta Beach in Florence, Oregon, for a free annual event on Saturday, October 14, 2023 (presented by Sand Master Park).
Photo courtesy Circles in the Sand.
Blasts from the Past for October (updated monthly)
Dark Skies & Stargazing with Eugene Astronomical Society
Dark Skies & Stargazing with Eugene Astronomical Society
Dark Skies & Stargazing with Eugene Astronomical Society
Have you ever been to a star party? Sounds awesome, right!
Join me in the studio with members of the Eugene Astronomical Society members Jerry Oltion and Dan Beacham.
We'll talk about the benefits of dark skies, the best places to stargaze on the Oregon coast, how to get started without draining your wallet, and where you can attend upcoming star parties in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon Coast Mushroom Hunting with Anna Moore
Dark Skies & Stargazing with Eugene Astronomical Society
Dark Skies & Stargazing with Eugene Astronomical Society
The first rains of the season shout "MUSHROOM SEASON!"
It's a BIG topic on the PNW Coast! Over 30 years ago, Anna Moore went on a hike and saw wild mushrooms everywhere and realized she wanted to know more. Fast forward and Anna is now a go-to person on the Oregon Coast when it comes to mushrooms!
Join me with Anna in the studio for a fun and engaging conversation about wild mushrooms and foraging. Anna includes information about how to get the most out of wild mushrooms well past the season.
Ghostly Tales of the Oregon Coast with Mike & Chris Helm
Dark Skies & Stargazing with Eugene Astronomical Society
Ghostly Tales of the Oregon Coast with Mike & Chris Helm
Prepare to be scared!
Celebrate Halloween as we tell Ghostly Tales of the Oregon Coast with author Mike Helm and story narrator Chris Helm.
Mike is the author of “Oregon’s Ghosts & Monsters.” He and Chris share real-life haunted stories based on eyewitnesses reports as well as from the author himself who went through a terrifying ordeal one dark and stormy night in Cannon Beach.
This show is intended for mature audiences.