Dave Knows Portland

August 21, 2017: Total Solar Eclipse To Pass Through Oregon

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August 21, 2017 Total Solar EclipseOn Monday, August 21, 2017 a total solar eclipse will cross the contiguous United States of America for the first time since 1979 (though a total eclipse was visible from Hawaii in 1991).

First landfall will occur on the Oregon coast, with the central path a few miles north of Depoe Bay. The northern limit will be just south of Cape Lookout and the southern limit will be a couple miles south of Waldport.

While the 1979 eclipse was only visible in the Pacific Northwest, Montana, and North Dakota, the 2017 eclipse will pass exclusively through U.S. states as it travels from the Pacific to the Atlantic: Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and then out to sea.

Make your travel plans now! April 8, 2024 will be your subsequent opportunity to see a total eclipse from the states, but that one won’t come anywhere near Oregon. After the eclipse of August 21, 2017 you’ll have to wait until August 12, 2045 if you want to see an eclipse without leaving the state!

OMSI Science Pub (16-August-2011)

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Omsi Science PubEpigenetics: The Merger of Nature and Nurture is the topic of of the next OMSI Science Pub on Tuesday, August 16, 2011:

Every cell in your body has the same set of genes, but those genes do not work in every cell in the same way. For example, your tongue cells don’t grow hair and the cells in your eye don’t digest food. Your cells are programmed to modify genes based on their function in the body, and some of those modifications occur in response to the environment: genes that cause the production of pigment in your skin are activated when your skin is exposed to sunlight, and genes that caused your fingers and toes to develop before you were born are inactivated for the rest of your life.

It has been thought that only mutations in the DNA could be passed on to the next generation and that traits acquired during a parent’s life are not passed to their offspring, e.g. weight lifters don’t produce babies with big muscles. However, recent research suggests that some genetic changes that happen over a lifetime are heritable. That is, while it may be true that “you are what you eat,” it may also be true that “you are what your mother ate.”

Epigenetics is the study of genetic changes that are based on mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA and it is changing the way scientists look at disease risk and treatment. At this Science Pub, come find out about new discoveries in genetics and how they might affect you or your kids.

The presenter is Pacific University associate professor of biology Lisa Sardinia, PhD, JD, who is also the associate director of the Pacific Institute for Ethics and Social Policy.

This science pub takes place at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan) from 7pm until 9pm, but arrive early (5pm doors open) to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $5.00 suggested donation/cover charge. Minors with adults are welcome, otherwise this event is 21 and over.

OMSI Science Pub (1-August-2011)

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Omsi Science PubCan the Next Wave of Energy Come from the Ocean? is the topic of of the next OMSI Science Pub on Monday, August 1, 2011:

Oceans cover almost three-fourths of the Earth’s surface. It is estimated that if 0.2% of the ocean’s untapped wave energy could be harnessed, it could provide power sufficient for the entire world.

Today’s wave energy technologies, commonly referred to as marine hydrokinetics, are relatively new and evolving, however the concept of harness energy from ocean waves is not. Oregon continues to be a national leader in research and technology testing of wave energy devices. As the design and efficiency of these technologies continue to improve, so does the future of wave energy.

The success of wave energy power generation relies, in part, on responsible siting and mitigation. To this end, resource managers and decision-makers will rely on a strong cross-section of scientific disciplines to assist in planning for future wave energy facilities. Today, scientists are actively conducting research into possible effects of wave energy devices on the marine environment.

At this Science Pub, come explore the concept of wave energy and learn about ongoing wave energy-related research and environmental studies being conducted offshore of Oregon and beyond.

The presenters are civil engineer Meleah S. Ashford, program manager for the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC) at Oregon State University, and Donna Schroeder, a marine biologist with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE).

This science pub takes place at the Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne) from 7pm until 9pm, but arrive early (5pm doors open) to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $5.00 suggested donation/cover charge. Minors with adults are welcome, otherwise this event is 21 and over.

OMSI After Dark: Jocks and Geniuses (27-July-2011)

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OMSI After DarkOMSI After Dark presents Jocks and Geniuses: The Science of Sports this Wednesday, July 27, 2011.

Treat yourself to childfree, brain-building science fun at OMSI After Dark! Check out live demos, new featured exhibitions, and old favorites. Sample tasty snacks and sweets along with beer and wine, and talk to regional food and beverage artisans about the science behind them. The OMSI Cafe will be open with a special dinner menu and cash bars will be available for those who want more than just a taste! It’s geeks gone wild!

Visit the OMSI Cafe for special menu items, and bring cash (only!) for the beer and wine at the bars set up throughout the museum.

Featured science demonstrations and activities include Nintendo Olympics, Thirsty Sports Drinks, and Last Gasp – What’s your lunch capacity? The Wanderlust Circus will be on hand presenting Kazum – an act which cleverly combines acrobalance and cheerleading stunts to create high-flying, jaw-dropping spectacles, and Blake Hicks will be performing bicycle tricks.

Hours are 7pm to 11pm. Admission is $12 for nonmembers (free for members). You can buy tickets online, or at the door (no reservations necessary). 21 and over only!

OMSI Science Pub (11-July-2011)

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Omsi Science PubThe Big Bang and Beyond: A Beginner’s Guide to the Universe is the topic of the latest OMSI Science Pub, which takes place Monday, July 11, 2011:

What does the Universe look like and what is our place in it? How is it evolving and what did it look like in the distant past? What will it be like in the future? Join Willamette University physics chair and cosmologist Dr. Rick Watkins in an exploration of the Universe and its evolution.

This science pub takes place at the Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne) from 7pm until 9pm, but arrive early (5pm doors open) to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $5.00 suggested donation/cover charge. Minors with adults are welcome, otherwise this event is 21 and over.