Astronomy Event This Weekend in Oregon Coast Range: Hole in the Sun, Night Sky Advice

Published 07/10/25 at 5:15 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Portland, Oregon) – There's much ado in the night skies right now above Oregon and Washington, even if there isn't a heck of a lot that's officially touted. Just random stargazing on these clear summer nights will yield their own gems, but there's also a big hole in the sun that's making the news and a great event between Portland and the coast for would-be astronomers.

Astronomy enthusiasts of all ages are invited to a free night of stargazing in the Oregon Coast Range this weekend, hosted by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), Rose City Astronomers, and Oregon State Parks. The annual OMSI Star Party will take place Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 8 p.m. to midnight at L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park, located 23 miles west of Portland.

The event offers a chance to explore the night sky through telescopes and binoculars of all sizes while connecting with fellow stargazers. Both beginners and seasoned observers are welcome. Park rangers will also lead guided night hikes throughout the evening.

Guests are encouraged to bring warm clothing and a flashlight equipped with a red light to preserve night vision. Personal viewing equipment is welcome.

Parking at the site costs $10 per vehicle. To reach Stub Stewart State Park, take US-26 west from Portland, then turn right onto OR-47. https://omsi.edu/events/omsi-star-party/

So far weather looks like it will cooperate for that area, but the coastline itself seems to be looking at more overcast conditions.

- Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather  - Inland Oregon Weather

However, night skies in general around the Pacific Northwest are offering some real gems.

This advice from Oregon Coast Beach Connection editor Andre' GW Hagestedt:

Right now you can see some fantastic things above the Earth. Even though there are no meteor showers per se at the moment, I saw two or three outstanding streaks of light this last week.

The highlight – really – is the great number of satellites visible for awhile. More of them are illuminated more often because of the way the Earth is tilted, always happening near the solstice. One night in a mere 20 minutes I saw a train of 14 satellites following down the same direction, a couple of other random ones, and an enormous streak of a meteor. And that was in Portland.

Think what you'll see in the eastern parts of the two states or the Washington / Oregon coast where night skies are much clearer.

There's a lot of talk about a large hole in the sun right now (cue the Dwight Schrute song). Coronal holes are massive holes in the sun's atmosphere that come about because of open magnetic field lines. Fast-moving solar winds come screaming out of these, sometimes causing aurora borealis stuff.

Right now, most scientists aren't predicting much in the immediate future because of this, but it does bring a slightly higher chance of cool colors in our skies. (See geomagnetic storm predictions that may include Oregon / Washington)

SoloarHam.com is a bit more optimistic.

NASA photo

“A large coronal hole will begin to face Earth this weekend. A solar wind stream flowing from this zone is expected to reach Earth beginning July 12th with the main influence by July 13/14. It is possible that a geomagnetic storm watch will be issued in the days ahead. Stay tuned to SolarHam.com for the latest updates.”

Also note that glowing sand and waves have been seen (and photographed) on the Washington side and Oregon side of the coastlines. Explosions of Light in Oregon Coast Sand Puddles: Aspect of Glowing Sand You Should Be Looking For Now

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