Upcoming Event: Total Solar Eclipse, 13th-14th Nov 2012 - Observing / Imaging Guide

[iceman]

Hi all

I've written an article previewing the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on November 13th-14th, 2012.

The Total Solar Eclipse tracks a narrow path starting in Arnhem Land at dawn on the 14th November where totality lasts 1min 40sec. It crosses the Gulf of Carpentaria and heads towards Cairns, passing on the coast between Cairns and Port Douglas at 6:39am local time (AEST) where totality will last 2 minutes and 4 seconds with the Sun approximately 14deg above the horizon.

The path of totality then crosses the Pacific, passing just north of New Zealand and finishing just before it hits South America.

The partial eclipse phase will be seen by most of Australia and all of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The further North and East you are, the greater the partial eclipse will be.

The article details important information such as:


What is a Solar Eclipse?
When and where can I see it?
Eclipse Tours
Safe Viewing Guide
Photography Guide
Upcoming Solar Eclipses
References, Further Reading and Resources


You can find the article on the IceInSpace Projects and Articles (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/projects.html) page, or directly by clicking on the link below:

Total Solar Eclipse, 13th-14th November 2012 - Observing / Imaging Guide (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-371-0-0-1-0.html)

Are you going to see the eclipse?

Share your experiences with us here!

[iceman]

Article uploaded.

[jjjnettie]

Good O,
Thanks Mike.

[cookie8]

Thanks Mike. Definitely going. Just paid the deposit to joint a tour through the Sutherland group. My second eclipse...with fingers crossed.

[erick]

Accommodation is booked! My first total solar eclipse! I just wanta look!:help:

[faulteh]

Booked my accomodation a few weeks ago. Looking forward to it, but I hope it's not right in the middle of exam time.

[Paddy]

I booked my accommodation yesterday. The lady said "as its a long time off, we'll email you to remind you about your booking". I assured her that none of the astronomy obsessives booking accommodation for the eclipse have any remote chance of forgetting, but will rather be salivating for the 2 years and 9 months until the big day. She'd only had the place for three weeks. I think she has no idea of what is about to hit.

[digitalplankton]

i live and work on green island 28km off the coast of cairns and am eagerly awaiting this event.. we check the suns postion and elevation on the 14th nov last year, and have excellent uninterupted views from the back of the island..... can't wait.

[bojan]

BTW, anyone organises this, or we are on our own??
In my time we (club, association) would organize trip and accommodation to whoever wanted to participate in events such is this (well, this was not in Australia, though)..

OK, accommodation tentatively booked :-)

Hope to see you there :-)

[swannies1983]

I'm certainly interested in making the trip. Was fortunate enough to see the 2002 eclipse in my home state.

Looking to go on a tour so I will keep an eye out. I have noticed quite a few "expensive" tours, which last a number of days. At this stage, I'm not really interested in those. The tour I went on in 2002 was simply a dedicated tour for the eclipse. Hoping to do something similar but am aware that these might be hard to find.

[h0ughy]

wasnt Glengarry was it?;)

[AstroTourist]

Great article Mike. Very well written and all very useful information.

I have written an information sheet on the eclipse for the Astronomical Association of Queensland (AAQ). It is downloadable as a pdf from the AAQ website www.aaq.org.au (http://www.aaq.org.au) Click on the image on the right hand side at the top of the home page. It is more for the general public but gives details of the path, timings etc and other usful stuff. It is planned to expand it with more information and details as the time of the eclipse approaches.

I spent two weeks in the eclipse path last November checking on such things as possible observing sites, access conditions (including all trafficable roads in the area from the east coast right through to the inland cattle stations and the indigenous communities on the west coast), weather patterns across the cape etc. and took lots of pickies.
I will be giving a presentation at NACAA in Canberra at Easter on the eclipse talking about the circumstances of the eclipse and info I gathered from the trip last year. It is on Sunday at 10:00 AM. For details of the talk see http://www.nacaa.org.au/2010/talks/116

Terry

[Paddy]

'Twas indeed!

[Astrobserver99]

Anyone know if the eclipse will be visible from the Cairns Esplanade? I seem to remember a high mountain just across the inlet that could block the view?

[that_guy]

it seems cheaper to travel via train... and you can keep your scope and other equipment at your side... and you can't crash into the ocean!!

[Astrobserver99]

Jetstar and Virgin have flights around $180 one way from Melbourne, even cheaper on discounted days. Train travel would cost in the thousands...

[Liz]

Not sure Rob, hopefully the Cairns guys can confirm. You would think that sunrise would be over the ocean but depending where you are on the Esplanade. :sunny:

[Astrobserver99]

The best views are from the Northern Beaches and Port Douglas...
Looks like I will booking Palm Cove...

[Liz]

Am sure IIS guys are scattered everywhere :thumbsup: I am up at Mt Carbine caravan park with members from Townsville :)

[gary]

Hi Liz,

Good to see the Townsville club will be making the trip north.

We're taking our chances on the northern beaches and made a booking for there some
time back.

We've been to Carins and the surrounds many times in the past but only as late
in the year as early October. Certainly a common pattern I recollect up in
the Athertons is that it can be cloudy/foggy in the morning as it hangs over the
rainforest and I gather the hope is that is that if there is cloud that it is sufficiently
low on the mountains so that when you look across them from Mt Carbine that it
won't get in the way?

One of our Cairns forum members might be able to advise what tends to happen
at that locale at that time of year in the morning when looking Easterly.

I think we would have all been happier if this was taking place in June/July
and least we could have gone for a swim. :lol:

Best Regards

Gary

[erick]

See you there. :)

[Liz]

Woohoo Eric :thumbsup:

[AstroTourist]

On my trip to the eclipse path last November, I took the first attached image from the Cairns esplanade (16d 54m 55s S, 145d 46m 25s E) in the direction of the sun at eclipse time. The sun will definitely rise over the Cape and the partial phase of the eclipse will have started by the time the sun rises over the hill. At first contact (start of the partial phase) the sun will be at about one and a half degrees elevation and about 14 degrees at totality. The hills are of the order of 4 or 5 degrees depending where on the esplanade you are.
In contrast the second image is from Palm Cove beach just opposite the council caravan park (16d 44m 25s S, 145d 40m 18s E) . This image is taken at the time of first contact on 14 November (2009 not 2012 - but the sun's position will be almost exactly the same). You can see that the Cape is to the right. You need to be on the northern beaches to avoid the cape if you want to see the eclipse from first contact.
You can also see that the sky is clear except for a band of cloud just in the wrong position. This cloud was present most mornings at this time and appeared to be over the reef, I guess because of the increased moisture in the atmosphere with waves breaking over the reef. As the air warmed over the next hour it generally disappeared, but the damage at C1 would have been done!
Rgds,
Terry

[Astrobserver99]

Thanks for the details Terry:) I am booked for the northern beaches.

Liz...would'nt mind visiting Mt Carbine but I have already booked elsewhere...

[Liz]

Glad ya booked in Rob, but as Gary says, wish it was June/July.
We will have to tally up the number of IISers going, later on to the event, sounds quite a few.

[Astrobserver99]

Liz, I am also planning to drive south through to Townsville..Anything in particular you recommend to visit...I have been north of Cairns before, but not south.

[Brettstar6754]

IIS Eclipse Tee Shirt?

To encourage all IISers to say hello.

Northern Beaches for us too.

[iceman]

Nice idea!

I'll get some designs done and get the community to vote on their favourite.

[cyclone]

I'm in Mareeba, so its a toss up between east or west of the Great Divide ?

[that_guy]

what about with customised back with our username on it??
yeah... that would be sweet

[gary]

Cyclone,

Enjoyed looking at your weather web cams.

As you look over the Divide from Mareeba early in the morning in mid November,
if the day is forecast to be fine, are your views east and south-east generally clear
or does cloud sit on the mountains in the morning until it warms up?

Any other anecdotal advice you can share on what the weather tends to do up there at
that time of the year early in the morning I know would be appreciated by readers.

[astroron]

Anyone from the SunShine Coast planning to go:question:
I haven't seen or heard much from this neck of the woods:shrug:
Would you be interested in a group thing:question:
Cheers

[Captain Charlie]

I'm now retired and living on Cairns northern beaches, so bring it on 2012!

But I vividly recall the TSE on 23 October 1976 when a group of fellow amateur (ham) radio enthusiasts drove down from Sydney to Bombala, only to find thousands of people and total cloud cover. We made a hasty decision to drive to the coast (a long windy dirt road) and, with minutes to spare, set up observations on a high point near Pambula overlooking the sea. We had a portable television which picked up a Victorian channel and we could see the eclipse on TV just before it happened at Pambula. Then actually seeing the shadow move quickly out across the ocean was fantastic ...

For 2012, my advice would be to get yourself up high where you can see the sea and the shadow, e.g. the roadside lookout about halfway up the highway to Kuranda. There are plenty of other high places with a view to the east.

I'm concerned about cloud cover though - after all, this is the tropics and it will be November. I plan to be in a light plane up around 9,500 feet, so even if there is lower level cloud, the shadow will be visible on the cloud. And it'll probably have to be planned as a night flight!

[AstroTourist]

Captain Charlie wrote:
"... For 2012, my advice would be to get yourself up high where you can see the sea and the shadow, e.g. the roadside lookout about halfway up the highway to Kuranda."

A note of caution about the lookouts on the roads up the coastal range. There are not many, most have their view to where the sun will be low down at eclipse time obscured by trees and parking for only a very small number of cars. So if you want to do that choose wisely (e.g. check out the suns position the day before) and get there early to reserve your spot. IMO a view of the receeding shadow is definitely worth seeking out.

I had a similar experience in 1976 - a drive down the same dirt road to see the eclipse from near Wyndham on the road to Pambula. I was surprised at how so many people decided to stay put and missed the show.

[vespine]

I definitely want to come up from melb, haven't ever been to cairns or seen an eclipse.. planning to book flights and accommodation soon, will have 2 years to fill in the details. :)

Planning to make up some solar caps for my binocs. Maybe hire a scooter while there so i can zoom around if need be.

[RWhite]

Greetings from Ukraine!

Many thanks to Terry (AstroTourist) for his photos - now it is clearly visible what it would be looking like in 2012. :)
I was monitoring different sources of satellite imagery of eclipse path, and I see that outback areas almost completely guarantee fine weather in November, and in many cases even Cairns city would be enough good.
So I'm delighted with the circumstances and will do my best to get there from Europe! (not only eclipse, this might be the only chance for me to see the southern sky and to meet australian astronomers). :)

But as a beginner in solar eclipse chasing (no totals, 3 partials), I have many reasons to be afraid of unsuccessful trip. First of all, I have much doubt on whether there be any available accomodation in the area? :question: Can you guys please tell me what reasonable time should be kept in advance for booking accomodation? Is it possible if one can experience absolutely no places if booking within 3-4 months before the event? Maybe you have something to recommend?

Best regards,
Roman

[gary]

Hi Roman,

Thanks for the post and greetings to you there in the Ukraine.
Unfortunately with regards the possibility of the weather being fine in that
part of the world in November, unfortunately the opposite is true.

Cairns sits between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn and it
experiences tropical weather patterns. The period of November to May
sees high rainfall, high temperatures and high chance of cloud coverage.
The hinterlands and to the north of Cairns are tropical rainforests or what
were tropical rainforests and have subsequently been cleared for farming.

Tropical cyclones (hurricanes) at that time of the year are also not uncommon.
Though the interior tends to be drier, the weather systems are sometimes vast and
extend across the entire Cape. To give you some idea, here is the track
of Tropical Cyclone Larry that made its way across in March 2006.
See http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/cyclone/tc_larry/
It was a Category 4 cyclone with winds up to 240 km/h and caused half a billion
dollars worth of damage.

Even when the weather is generally sunny, it is not uncommon to encounter local
small showers over reef atolls or up in the Atherton Tablelands or in the
rainforests of Cape Tribulation and Daintree.

The interior can be drier (it is not desert without reason) but there are very few
interior locations where the roads (some of which are just rough 4WD
dirt tracks) run north-south that intercept the eclipse path and one of them is
subject to a long running dispute by the land owners that would be best avoided.

In fact, should there be rain, some of the roads in the far interior which are
just dirt tracks turn to mud and become impassable even in a 4WD.
The roads in and around Cairns itself are sealed and passable in all but the
most severe weather conditions.

Like all eclipses, the general mindset is that if we get lucky with the weather,
we might see it, but if you asked me might we have a cyclone on the day,
I would not bet against it. :)

One of the disappointing things about Cairns at that time of the year is that it
can be very hot, very humid and there is this beautiful Pacific Ocean to swim in,
but even that is not recommended as there is a chance of being stung by
a deadly marine stinger at that time of the year.

So please come on down, we would love to see you down here. We will be there!
But if we see the eclipse, we are all considering it as a bonus. :thumbsup:



Cairns itself has an abundance of accommodation ranging from parks where
you can pitch a tent, to budget hostels for backpackers to motel accommodation
to luxury multi-star resort hotels. Depending upon your budget, you should have
little difficulty finding somewhere to stay. Cairns is first and foremost
a tourist destination and is a major setting off point to the Great Barrier Reef.
Normally, November would be regarded as "off-season" because the weather can
be bad, and you can't go for a swim in the ocean. I would be surprised if you
still could not find somewhere 3 to 4 months out as it is a big place with
a lot of rooms.

Google "Cairns northern beaches accommodation" for something more comfortable.
Google "Cairns backpacker accommodation" for budget rooms, some of which
might smell like a wet dog and have a party going on all night in the next room
but that can be cheap. :) However, read the reviews as some of them are quite good
and offer reasonable value and are a good opportunity to meet other travelers.

Best Regards

Gary

[RWhite]

Thank you Gary for the detailed answer! :)

After a study of weather I have an opinion that it is very similar to what we have here in Ukraine in July. Well, without active tropical cyclons, maybe sometimes hotter, sometimes more/less cloudy, but in general it is similar. And to your knowledge, July-August is astronomical hi-season here, so I won't be disappointed any way if would visit Queensland in November. :rolleyes:

The weather isn't actually the biggest problem. For me, the top 3 things to be careful about are: 1) have no problems acquiring visa; 2) have no problems with booking accomodation; 3) be in time for each of 3 consequtive airflights!

[AstroTourist]

Gary paints a pretty grim picture for the weather prospects for the eclipse in North Queensland in 2012. Personally I would not be quite so pessamistic.
In the Cairns region, November is generally thought of as being the buildup to the wet season rather than full on wet. And tropical cyclones are very rare as early in the season as November. And it certainly is more cloud free (on average) the further west behind the ranges you go. With the winds being predominently from the south east moisture is dumped on the coastal ranges and Great Dividing range so that the air to the west is typically drier. But as Gary says, sometimes the weather system are so large as to be inescapable.
A good guide to the climatology can be found on Jay Anderson's eclipse weather site:
http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~jander/tot2012/tse12intro.htm
The cloud statistics chart puts the average November daytime cloud at between 40% and 50%. But bear in mind that these figures are daily averages and the eclipse is at about 6:30 AM when the sky is consistently clearer so a lower percent is appropriate.
As one example, when I was in the eclipse path for the week either side of 14 November last year, the eclipse would have been visible at 6:30 AM on 8 out of the 10 days that I was observing.
But bear in mind that these are average circumstances and what happens on the day can be different. As they say - climate is what you expect - weather is what you get.
There is benefit in being flexible to relocate further inland if the coast weather looks dodgy, but movement significantly west is restricted without a suitable vehicle.
Regards,
Terry

[cyclone]

Its going to be one of those things that will be decided from midnight that day, for me stay in Mareeba or travel north on the inland road.
If anyone requires any information, let me know.

[centauri]

Will be doing the long haul from Karratha by road, taking 6 weeks off to tour around while over that way.
Can anyone tell me if Palmer, which is the path of totality, would be a suitable spot?
Thanks
Centauri

[AstroTourist]

Sounds like quite a trip you are planning there.
As to "Palmer" can you please be more specific as to the location..
I guess you mean in the vicinity of Palmerville station which is located near where the Palmerville track crosses the Palmer River;
Or do you mean at the Palmer gold fields which is further east;
or the Palmer River Roadhouse where the Peninsula development road (route 81) crosses the Palmer river;
Or somewhere on the Palmer river;
or somewhere else?
Rgds,
Terry

[gary]

Hi,

If you are considering the Palmerville Track just south of the Palmer River
near Palmerville Station, I would recommend considering another location.

I did some extensive searches and reading last year and there is a long
history of legal problems and disputes concerning right of way there.
The owners of the station have had problems over the years that prompted them
to put a gate across the track. Gold mining prospectors and those with access to gold
leases have apparently at times left water holes used by cattle polluted with rubbish,
cattle grasslands have been set on fire by prospectors to help make gold
detection easier, there have been attempts of mediation with Council to open
the road, land court cases over access to gold mine leases and so on.

So to avoid disappointment, I would not recommend setting off there
as one may be turned back.

The track is 4WD only and after rain is sometimes impassable.

Best Regards

Gary

[AstroTourist]

Actually the Palmerville Track itself is not closed - I drove through there last November. But you do have to be careful approaching Palmerville Station to take the correct version of the track and not end up at Palmerville station. There are several signs warning against driving on Palmerville Station.

The track which IS currently closed is the one from the Palmerville track to the old Palmerville goldfields at Maytown. As Gary says there is a long running dispute. That track crosses Palmerville Station and the owner apparently doesn't want visitors. I understand that the main reason is the fires that people start from escaped campfires and deliberate burns. Typically an astounding 40% of Cape York burns every year (due especially to visitors and lightening strikes). Last year it was a particularly nasty year and it was closer to 60%. Once fires start in that area it is impossible to stop them. In travelling the area of the eclipse track last year I came across a lot of area that had been burnt out and in some places fires still burning. Cattle Stations can be completely wiped out. Killarney station for example last year appeared devestated. I have a great deal of sympathy with property owners not wanting visitors. You will find many signs on properties prohibiting camping. If you do want to camp or stop on station property it is essential that you call in at the station and speak to property management first. In many cases you will find the owners approachable. Unfortunately the managers of Palmerville station were away when I went through and I was not able to speak to them personally about what their atitude at eclipse time might be.

But back to viewing prospects in the vicinity of the Palmerville track. As Gary says the track is 4WD only and is impassible in the wet. Attached is an image of one of the gully crossings on the track. There are several of these as well as the crossing of the Palmerville river and they would quickly become impassible. The road surface would also become slippery and dangerous for a conventional vehicle. This area is real outback. DO NOT go there unless you are experienced and have a suitable equipped vehicle with appropriate emergency supplies and equipment.

But the real problem on the track is finding a suitable viewing outlook to see the sun at the low altitude at 6:30AM. The track runs roughly north south and there are trees on both sides for almost the full length of the road. Also the area is surprisingly hilly. It is still the western edge of the Great Dividing Range. Finding a clear spot for viewing will be quite difficult. About the only places are at the Cattle Stations and at their airstrips. There is an airstrip adjacent Palmerville station, very close to the centreline which may be suitable for viewing but as I said above I was not able to speak to the owner about use of it and they may disallow it.
The other two stations on the track, Mount Mulgrave to the south and Fairlight to the north also have airstrips which are open areas which could provide a view. But they are some way from the centreline (but still get more than one and a half minutes of totality). The people managing Fairlight that I spoke to seemed quite approachable and interrested in the eclipse. Fairlight has an outstation near Palmerville station and this may be another option.

And a note of caution if you are considering the track that runs from the Peninsula Development road near Maitland Downs station to Palmerville station. On the map it appears quite attractive as it runs roughly along the eclipse track centreline. But this is the track that is closed past Maytown. Also the proposed 4 day 2012 Eclipse Festival (see http://www.solareclipse2012.com/) is currently planned for a site along this track and it will likely be very busy at eclipse time. They are hoping to attract about 10,000 people!!

So to sum up about eclipse viewing on the Palmerville Track... Quite difficult and not as straightforward at it may seem. Challenges will include finding a suitable viewing location, obtaining property management consent to be there, and just simply getting there by having a suitably equipped vehicle and the weather cooperating. If after all this you are still considering a viewing location here I would strongly suggest scouting it out in the days before the eclipse. IMO it would be foolish to just simply head out there the day before the eclipse leaving this to be your only option.
Rgds,
Terry

[Jen]

:) ok im all confused on where abouts i should go :screwy:

Where are most of the IIS'er going to be :question:
Thats where i would like to be where most of us are now that would be great :thumbsup:

[Liz]

Hi Jen :hi: ..... I think quite a few are scattered around by the sounds.
I am up at Mt Carbine Caravan park, where I know a couple of IISers are, but the cabins are booked out there.
There are lots of little accomodation places, but not sure where others have booked into.
We will have to all meet up for an IIS Solar Eclipse party the day of the eclipse, which is pre dawn .... yaaaawn.
Perhaps all meet ..... dont know Cairns well, but perhaps one of the beaches just north or south, depending on the weather.

[Jen]

:hi: hey gday Liz
Yeah it does look like people are all over the place i was just trying to snug up to where the majority of us would be i would so love to meet so many of you ;) Where is Mt Carbine :question:
So is Cairns the hot spot :question:

[Gas Giant]

Hi All.
I don't post very often, as you can see by my post count; but seeing the reopening of this thread yesterday got me kick started to make sure I give myself a chance to see this eclipse. So I got onto the web and booked myself and family a holiday in Cairns from 11-19 Nov 2012.

The first resort I tried was already booked out for some of that time and I thought I might have missed out as eclipse chasers have been known to book out regions well in advance; but the next one I tried took my deposit no problems. So I'm booked:eyepop:
As the time draws closer we'll undoubtedly be talking about it in some detail - and I hope to meet you there:D

Andrew

[Gas Giant]

Just as an interesting aside - the same part of the world but a little further north will be in the path of an Annular Solar Eclispe the following May. Cooktown is the closest large centre, just south of the area.

[Liz]

Yes Andrew, it will be fabulous if clear. :help:
Your family will have a great time, it is a bful part of the world, despite the weather.
Oh, just saw your Cooktown post - Cooktown is a looong way from Cairns, :)but great for those living up there.
Yes, the eclipse does cover a fair size area, pick and choose. :D

[Gas Giant]

Thanks Liz.
Yes it will be a great part of the world to be in even if its not clear; and if it is clear then there is the eclipse as well. I'm also a birdwatcher and I'm sure to bag quite a number of species I can't get in nsw.

Apart from a cyclone - and even that could be exciting if I survive - :lol: -I think I'm assured a great time.

[philiphart]

[/URL]I've started a project thread in the computers forum related to the eclipse:

[URL="http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=67327"]2012 Eclipse Weather Project: capture forecast and satellite images through Nov 2010 (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=67327)

If anybody thinks they can help setup a routine to capture satellite images and forecast charts throughout this November for comparison please visit the thread.

cheers
Phil

[AstroTourist]

I am currently in the Cairns, Port Douglas, Tablelands, Mulligan Highway area of the eclipse track researching observing locations, weather, accom options, access etc.
I expect to be here until the 17th.

Any requests for info on specific sites, images of locations etc?
Reply here or PM.
Regards,
Terry

[erick]

Yes please Terry - elevated sites near Mt Carbine? And clear of trees to the East.

[AstroTourist]

No worries Eric, it is already on the list. Expect to be in that area in 2 - 3 days time

Terry

[gary]

Hi Terry,

On behalf of all of us, thanks for the offer.

Weather-wise, with the SOI being so high at the moment, there are those
of us that are hoping that come 2012, the weather might be less unsettled
than it is now.

Anecdotally though, have you had the opportunity to watch what happens
from a location immediately west of the Athertons very early in the morning?
Is there any cloud hovering low over them due to micro-climate conditions?

Collectively we are interested in hearing what else you learn on the trip
and for some, knowing definitely where you don't want to be can be as
valuable as tips on where one might be luckiest.

Best Regards

Gary

[cyclone]

http://www.gorgecreekorchards.com.au/solareclipse14112010.jpg

Hopefully the same in 2 years

[cyclone]

http://www.gorgecreekorchards.com.au/solareclipse_14112010.jpg

this is the view from Cairns

[gary]

Thanks for the posts and hopefully so! :thumbsup:

Great set-up with your wecams there in Marreeba and it must be a useful resource
for others in your area.

I just had a look at your webcam 3 again now at 11:36 Qld time and I see the
cloud coverage has increased.

In the webcam in Cairns, it certainly looked touch and go with the cloud banks
over Yarrabah.

I gather on the evening before you will be in a good position as to whether to
stay put or to head toward somewhere like Julatten or out in the direction of
Mt Carbine and Maitland Downs?

Best Regards

Gary

[gary]

A heads-up on those who might think about getting in or out of Port Douglas
on the morning of Nov 14th 2012.

A marathon has been planned which kicks off at eclipse time and is expected to
attract 2000 runners and 700 support crew -
http://www.tourismportdouglas.com.au/Solar-Eclipse-Marathon-Port-Douglas-20.3299.0.html
Note carefully the map of the run at the bottom of the page which is to start the moment the
sun starts to re-emerge.

Those familiar with the area will be aware that movement on the roads around Port
Douglas can sometimes be slow at the best of times, but it might not be unrealistic to
anticipate such phenomena as officials wearing safety vests and bearing witches hats,
which they may decide to inconveniently place between you and where you might want
to go on the morning, should you need to be mobile.

[AstroTourist]

If the eclipse was today (14 Nov), it would have been seen at Julatten, not seen at Mt Molloy and Maryfarms but visible at Mt Carbine. I drove through Julatten at 6:38 and saw the sun through thin cloud. There was cloud above me which was moist air moving in from the sea that was banked up against the ranges. As I drove through Mt Molloy the sun was obscured by those clouds and it did not reappear above the clouds over the range (Mt Lewis) until after I had passed Maryfarms. The sun was clear of the thick cloud but still in thin cloud by the time I arrived at Mt Carbine. It is clear that the coastal ranges have a significant cloud forming effect in this area and at least on this occasion Mt Carbine was far enough west.
I know from others that the sun was apparently visible at eclipse time from about Oak Beach south including Cairns but there was a thick cloud to the east from about Port Douglas north. So Port Douglas would probably have missed out. I do not personally know of any Tablelands observations today.
I will post a complete summary of my weather observations for the week when I return to Bris.
Terry

[JethroB76]

Great..whose brainiac idea was that?

[AstroTourist]

The eclipse marathon is just one of the things we will have to be aware of and take into account in our planning.
But hopefully it will have minimal impact on eclipse observing. It is planned to start at C3, so any road closures should only need to occur well after any serious eclipse observer is well in place and set up. I think that if you are planning to watch the eclipse in that area, and are considering relocating within 15 minutes of the eclipse, as Gary suggests the general congestion in the area greatly accentuated by eclipse traffic will make that very difficult if not impossible whether there is a marathon or not.
The marathon then moves quickly away from the traffic areas and road closures will likely be removed within say half an hour.
The race returns to Port Douglas towards the end of the two hour plus event so again is not likely to have any serious impact. I understand that they have found a way to cross the Captain Cook highway on the way back without closing it.
Personnally I think that if another few thousand people get to experience a total eclipse only because they are there for another reason, then that's fantastic. The more the merrier.
Terry

[AstroTourist]

I was in the path of the 2012 total solar eclipse for a few days either side of 14 November this year (10th to 17th). Observations of the weather from about sunrise at 0535, until eclipse time of 0638 were mildly encouraging. These observations were from the coastal areas (on 4 days) and from the coast to just west of the ranges (on 3 days).
For observations over the 7 mornings, visibility at eclipse time was broadly as follows:
1 day generally clear skies but with patchy cloud in some areas (probability of seeing eclipse say 85%)
4 days mostly visible through thin clouds but some areas in cloud (say 65%)
1 day much of the area cloudy but some areas with breaks (say 40%)
1 day only a few lucky ones would have seen the eclipse (say 10%)
Average say about 50 - 60%
Chance of seeing the eclipse would have been improved by some judicious relocation.

Some weather patterns that were observed:

The weather was certainly more humid than the same time last year. Last year in the eclipse path, I experienced about 8 out of 10 days as good days. Last year there were several days of clear sunny weather. This year there were none. When it was clearer this year, there was usually thin high cloud present that would have reduced the view of the corona a little.

The weather along the coast often started at pre dawn with cloud generally off shore and quite thick but typically no higher than about 8 degrees (sun at eclipse will be at 14 degrees), and little cloud overhead. The cloud generally broke up after dawn with the cloud moving towards shore. A low bank of cloud often remained and the sun was above this bank usually by between about 0600 and 0630. Cloud cover generally increased across the sky after eclipse time as the day started to warm.

There were often local weather disturbances. On two mornings there was quite thick local cloud over the capeGrafton headland such that Cairns and the southern areas of the Cairns northern beaches would have been seriously affected. On the next two mornings the Cairns area was clearer and there was thick cloud (and rain) in the Port Douglas area. On a later morning, cloud returned to the CapeGrafton area.

On perhaps half of the mornings there was some cloud up against the coastal ranges at dawn, but typically well away from the area of the sun when viewing from a beach location. This did not appear to change greatly up until eclipse time. On three mornings I drove from the coast at sunrise over the ranges (on each of the three separate routes). What I observed when there was cloud up against the coastal ranges, was that in the Atherton area (which is generally quite high at about 800m elevation) the cloud appeared to extend further to the west (beyond Atherton); whereas around Mareeba and further north (which is generally lower elevation at around 400m) as the wind descended from the coastal ranges, the cloud appeared to dissipate more quickly. On the morning I that traveled on the Mulligan highway west of Mount Molloy, the cloud had dissipated reasonably quickly such that the eclipse would have been seen at Mount Carbine through thin cloud.

These observations are from the east coastal areas. On checking the cloud images for these days, on some days the inland and west coast would have fared better, but there are of course difficulties in escaping very far to the west. One sobering thing is that a colleague of mine who was in the path area for the three days after I left said that it was generally cloudy and rain at times over the whole coastal area for the three days.

Currently we have a La Niña weather pattern established and this year has been the wettest we have experienced in Queensland for many years. There is a reasonable chance that the pattern will have reversed and El Niño will be back by 2012.

I am not suggesting that we can read too much into these observations. This is just one sample (as were my observations last year). And if there is a reversal of La Niña/ El Niño, this year may not be very relevant.
Regards,
Terry

[erick]

Thanks Terry - useful information! :)

[h0ughy]

wondereful research Terry

[Rob_K]

I've been looking at other locations. The edge of the eclipse path lies 70km off Norfolk Island, and totality there would last a full minute longer than when it leaves coastal Australia. The downside would be ship-based viewing, not suited particularly well to eclipse photography (so when is a short cruise a downside??? :lol: ). I was on the island from 12-19 Nov and the weather was generally partly cloudy (broken cloud), with a high chance of seeing the morning eclipse. The cloud itself was principally gathering about the island and out to sea the skies were much clearer with a very high chance of seeing the eclipse.

I discussed the coming eclipse with a few locals (who were unaware of it) and they seemed to think it was feasible to get people out there. NB you'd have to carefully vet any ship's crew - bit of a history of mutiny there! :P ATM Norfolk Island is reasonably expensive to get to, but they are currently in the process of untangling their special self-governing status as an Australian territory and accepting a bail-out package from Canberra that will see them become a more 'normal' part of Australia. Locals anticipate that this will enable cut-price airlines like Tiger & Jetstar to enter the market, perhaps by 2012 - Norfolk Is is a lot closer to Melbourne than Cairns.

Anyway, something to think about. Sea-borne north of New Zealand would also be an option - must check because I think there may already be a few things on offer there....

Cheers -

[Spacedout]

hi all, i am trying to figure out a good place to stay and would like to book as early as i can, so please keep the info flowing. will have to fly from sydney so would prefere airport to land at, ( no parachuting please ):rofl:

[Liz]

Very tricky to decide Spacedout. Do you go to cairns itself, north, south, inland????? Weather could be kind (or unkind) to all of us. :question:
There are a few of us staying at Mt Carbine caravan park, inland a little.
Who knows though?????

[Spacedout]

Thanks Alien Female,
Mt Carbine sounds good, I have found a decent map @ nasa http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2012Nov13Tgoogle.html
hope to see you there, thanks for info

[dot.bot]

Nice to find some discussion on this eclipse. I was planning a trip to Cairns from the US specifically for this event. But I was very concerned, besides weather, that the sun would not be high enough on the horizon during the eclipse, especially with the western mountains reducing time.

Does anyone know how high the sun will be at 5:45AM-5:47AM (time of eclipse?) I have sunrise noted at 4:50AM so it should crest the hills within 60 minutes for sure.

Thanks you for any advise.

Scott

[cyclone]

the eclipse will be 37 days before the summer solstice, therefor 37 days after is end of January.
have a look at this webcam for approx height above horizon.
http://www.gorgecreekorchards.com.au/webcam3.htm

[space oddity]

Eclipse will be low on the horizon, only about 15 degrees at totality
, so viewing on the coast or on the range looking east is what you want. Inland, eg Mareeba will have the mountains interfering with totality. I have heard that sea fog is an issue at this time of the year, so Green Island may not be the best spot, although I have every intention of heading there before or after the eclipse for some snorkeling and underwater coral photography.
Port Douglas region will be affected by the marathon. I have emailed them with my concerns, but no reply. I find it a bit of a w@#k that they are just thinking of the novelty of having their marathon starting at the return of the sun from behind the moon. Perhaps more emails should be sent to them to point out their folly and potential for eye damage in the non-astro spectator and competitor ranks.
One of my main issues is that my son is doing the HSC at this time which limits how early we can fly up and get settled in.

[iceman]

Excellent site, with discussion about the weather and possible viewing locations.

http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~jander/tot2012/tse12intro.htm

Lots of great info.

[Paul Haese]

We are going to stay on the coast for this one. I lived in Cairns for 14 months during 89-90 period. The chances of no cloud at all are slim no matter where you travel. If there is any rain in the days before the eclipse the roads further west will be slippery and present a danger to everyone travelling them.

I have looked back at the conditions over the last 5 years on that particular day and it looked as though 3 days out of 5 were clear with some mild cloud off the coast at that time of the morning. Remembering of course that any cloud build up due to the the presence of the sun is nil at that time of morning so every thing relies on the conditions the day before and over night. Our villa is right on the beach and if nothing else it will be a lovely morning event on the beach.

For those that have never seen an eclipse and want to ensure you do. Might I suggest you take a cruise further along the track. Your chances will be greater of seeing the eclipse. Land based observation is going to be 50/50 overall but a cruise will almost certainly get you a view.

BTW if it is your first eclipse forget about trying to take too many photographs. Watch the eclipse through your eyes. You miss out on so much just by looking through the view finder of the camera. Ensure you look around and experience the little things like the 360 degree sunset, the birds roosting, the look of the corona near maximum and the visible prominences and the magenta sky. Your first eclipse is the one you remember the best and wasting it by trying to get bracketted shots or fiddling with equipment is going to waste precious views. From what I have read from other eclipse chasers and from my own experience it takes 3-4 eclipses to get everything right for imaging. So why not just take the odd shot and not worry. 2 minutes goes really quickly.

Anyway, cloud or not it will once again be magical to be in the shadow of the moon. I have a good feeling again about seeing it, so maybe 3rd time is a charm. For me each time I have had a good feeling and each time we have seen the eclipse. Go figure.:shrug:

[Liz]

Cant wait Paul ... our Astronomy Group are booked in up at Mt Carbine Caravan Park, but I know the chances of it being cloudy are pretty high.
Will still be exciting to witness the darkness descend.
The last one I remember was in victoria in the 70s when I was at school.

[Paul Haese]

Yeah I think that was 1976. I tried to convince my dad to drive me to Mt Gambier but the partial in Adelaide was pretty interesting all the same. Just the barest of slivers, at 0.93 magnitude.

[Rob_K]

Yep, 1976. Was working in far west NSW and doubt that I would have even heard about it (no radio, TV, newspapers). Trying to make up for it now, LOL, roll on 2012! :lol: 2017 looks good too - continental United States, what a party that would be! Have eclipse-nutter friends in Oregon, not far from the eclipse path. Indonesia March 2016 is a possibility but probably monsoon affected.

Cheers -

[Paddy]

Very good suggestions, Paul.

[starrynight]

Just returned from a fact finding mission, travelling up from Cairns to Port Douglas.The city foreshore will have a problem with C1 to C2 because the aboriginal reserve will be in direct line with the suns path. (Elevation for C1 2deg above horizon and 108 degrees SE. Totality at 14 deg and 105 degrees S.E could also be a problem. We stayed 1.5km up towards the airport on the 5th floor which should improve things. The Coral towers hotel has posted pics taken on Nov 14th last year and show the sun well clear of the 800m peak, but this may have been taken from the roof. Still plenty of accommodation and a really nice spot.Further up Yorkeys knob and Trinity have excellent horizon views but apartments are expensive with most taking 5-7 day bookings at up to $300 a night! Eclipse week is a double high in the low season.Anyway we booked the big caravan park in the city at only $31 per night and will probably go up to Yorkeys on the 13th. Forget Ellis Beach CP-its full. It was cloudy on the horizon every evening and morning in Cairns so exact visual determination was difficult. We used google earth to calculate distances and angles. I am sure all the northern beaches will have some sort of "celebration" on the lead up days so its going to be pretty congested.

[Liz]

thank you for that great info Philip and Marie. :thumbsup:

[mr bruess]

good to be kept informed:):):):):):):)

[iceman]

Would it be recommended to avoid staying in and around Port Douglass during the eclipse because of the marathon?

[iceman]

Ok I'm feeling a little better - I had left booking my accommodation until now and I was worried I wouldn't find anything.

I've had to pay a little more no doubt, but I'm booked in now so I'm happy.

Have booked at the Villas at Palm Cove for 3 nights, 13th, 14th and 15th. I'm taking the family so needed a 3 bedroom room, and it's costing us $290/night.

So I'll be there a day early to scope out the best locations to set up. Palm Cove seems to be in a good spot, halfway between Cairns and Port Douglas and pretty much right on the centre line.

Having a look on Google Street View, the Captain Cook Highway runs along the coast but there's very little area to pull over on the side of the road and walk down to the beach.

Perhaps there'll be a view from the Villas - the view to the East doesn't look too bad (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=The+Villas+Palm+Cove,+Warren+Stre et,+Palm+Cove,+Queensland&aq=3&sll=-16.744561,145.670514&sspn=0.006801,0.011362&ie=UTF8&hq=The+Villas+Palm+Cove,&hnear=Warren+St,+Palm+Cove+Queensla nd+4879&ll=-16.74566,145.664034&spn=0.011835,0.045447&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=-16.745629,145.664028&panoid=4nl6d-AJ3cnCJHXMCDfVfA&cbp=11,109.08,,0,-3.59), but it will depend on trees etc as the Eclipse will be down low.

It looks like a really good spot down here on the Esplanade (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=The+Villas+Palm+Cove,+Warren+Stre et,+Palm+Cove,+Queensland&aq=3&sll=-16.744561,145.670514&sspn=0.006801,0.011362&ie=UTF8&hq=The+Villas+Palm+Cove,&hnear=Warren+St,+Palm+Cove+Queensla nd+4879&ll=-16.740183,145.671372&spn=0.011836,0.045447&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=-16.740213,145.671384&panoid=hHKHjZTXUg3bREdVfxmJfQ&cbp=11,63.49,,0,0.17) with parking and right on the beach, but I hope the Eclipse doesn't rise right behind that island, Double Island.
Does anyone know?

Now to figure out flights to get my family and my gear there, and organise car hire for when we're there.

[DJVege]

Thanks for the article, iceman. I'm trying to get the whole family to make the trip. :)

[iceman]

At least you don't have too far to go :)

[DJVege]

:) Yeah, was considering making the drive instead of flying... but we'll see. My parents and brother are in Bris-Vegas, so they can fly to Rocky and we could drive up together... but we're Indians and making a decision is always difficult. There always seems to be too many cooks in the kitchen. ;)

[Captain Charlie]

Iceman, I live in Palm Cove. What are you trying to find out?

[iceman]

Hi Charlie
I'm trying to understand whether, if I setup to view/photograph the eclipse down on the esplanade, where abouts the Sun will rise in relation to that island.

Cheers and thanks!

[Big Dave]

I am staying at the Nimrod Port Douglas Resort Apartments, any IIS member wanting to catch up send me a PM.

Regards,
Big Dave

[Captain Charlie]

Hey Iceman, that's a good question. Remember that, when you're located north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the sun actually reaches its highest position in the sky twice during the year: once on its way to the summer solstice, and then again on its way to the winter solstice ... which could explain why Queenslanders' support for introducing daylight saving is much less if you live and work to the north of the Tropic of Capricorn. But I digress.

In November when the eclipse is predicted, the sun will rise to the south of east, and Double Island is to the north of east when you're on Williams Esplanade, generally speaking. There's a motorised scanning webcam down at the beach on the surf lifesaving hut and you can actually see Double Island during its northerly sweep. Here's some links to that cam (when it's working):
http://www.coastalwatch.com/camera/cameras_large.aspx?cam=123&state=QLD&camName=Palm Cove
http://www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au/Webpages/default.aspx?id=31 (http://www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au/Webpages/default.aspx?id=31)

A second webcam across the road on Williams Esplanade gives a fixed view to the east. This time of year the sun rises around 6.15am QLD time:
http://www.cairnscam.info/

There's also a jetty at the northern end of Williams Esplanade which is usually used 24/7 by local fishing enthusiasts. It could give you a good vantage point too (away from the beach), but I'm not sure I'd want to be out there with expensive camera gear and lots of jostling crowds looking skywards in twilight.

Just to the north of Palm Cove, to the east of the Captain Cook Highway, is a raised headland called Buchans Point. You might find a spot up there amongst the expensive homes.

Hope this helps.

[iceman]

That's very helpful, thanks Charlie!

[gary]

Hi Mike,

Invoke Google Earth.

View->Sun

A sliding time tool bar will appear in the top left corner of the main image window.
Click on its 'Spanner' icon and adjust the date and time. Be aware of the American-style
mm/dd/yy format. Be sure to set an appropriate time zone to match your choice of time setting.

Zoom in on the image pane so your eye altitude is just above sea level.
With mouse over the image page, depress and keep depressed middle mouse button and drag
to change your "look at" direction so you are looking out to sea from your chosen vantage point.

Adjust the sliding time tool bar and watch where the Sun will rise from that location.

Best regards

Gary

[Dave47tuc]

Mike I will be just down the road from you as I'm staying with friends at Clifton beach with my partner. :thumbsup:
I'm just grateful to have somewhere to stay at mates rates ;)
I have not made any arrangements yet apart from yeah we are going up there but may book some flights soon!
I'm sure many people from here and the many astronomical societies will be up that way for the eclipse. :thumbsup:

[steve000]

Hey All,

P&O have just released a cruise for the eclipse.

it will be between Yorkeys Knob and Port Douglas at the right time.

I booked already, there is heaps of rooms available

http://www.pocruises.com.au/findacruise/pages/CruiseProfile.aspx?CruiseCode=W240

If anyone is considering this, keep in touch cause it would be nice to be on the cruise with fellow IIS members

[RWhite]

Sorry for continuing off-topic, but you didn't mention Africa in 2013. Gabon is an option with over 1 minute of totality, and Uganda is just around 25-30 seconds. Weather chances are not so fair, but far better than ones Indonesia has. Anyway I'll give it a try if fail to reach Queensland. :question:

[Jen]

:D well i have been thinking over and over about going to this event and then i decided bugger it if i miss this i will so be saying to myself "dam it i wish i went" :D
I have never been on a real holiday before let alone go on a plane so i thought bugger it what a better way to have my first holiday ever to top it of with a solar eclipse :D So yep its official im going :P woohooo
Paid my deposit and confirmed my booking today woohooo im soooo excited :)

Im even lashing out and have booked for 7 nights staying at Palm Cove Reef Retreat 50 meters from the beach in a 2 bedroom villa unit woohoooooooooooooooooooooooo
I so hope i get to meet many IIS members on this trip maybe we can pick a place where we can all meet for dinner the night before or lunch after the eclipse that would be so awsome SEE YOU ALL THERE :D

Is it NOVEMBER 2012 YET :question: :rofl::rofl::rofl:

Oh now i just have to tell the hubby we going on a holiday and he is paying :rolleyes: :lol:

[Big Dave]

Catch you there

[iceman]

Awesome! I'm at Palm Cove too. See you there!

[Paul Haese]

We are staying with friends up there. I think at Cliffton Beach. There is an another friend up there too that we could stay with just in case the first one falls through.

I reckon shooting frames around the esplanade is not a great idea. The pennisula is your main problem when looking west to south west. The peak is pretty high and cloud will form near it. From memory when I lived there it always had cloud near it or on it during summer. I think if you travel a bit north to get nearer the center line you will have a clear unobstructed view from the beach, so long as cloud does not interfere. I have a feeling though that cloud will be present on the day though.

[trek1701]

I know of a couple of people are going to this cruise because they believe the viewing prospects will be better than the W240

http://www.pocruises.com.au/findacruise/pages/cruiseprofile.aspx?CruiseCode=J236

I'm yet to decide.

Cheers Mark

[Viekie]

I was watching a documentary on Discovery channel earlier this year on the Solar System and apparently the Solar Eclipse is (from what I have heard) an almost totally unique experience in the WHOLE (observable) UNIVERSE. Professional astronomers don't think it happens anywhere else. The size comparison between the sun and moon is about 400x (that is the sun is 400x bigger than the moon.) What makes it unique is that the sun also 400x further away, so the size at relative distance (what we see here on Earth) is almost a perfect fit and every 11? 12? years or so the 2 bodies match up and we get a Solar Eclipse.

[Paul Haese]

Not quite Matt. Jupiter has solar eclipses on a regular basis (almost weekly actually), Saturn during the ring plane transits has eclipses too.

An eclipse happens almost 15-18 months somewhere on the earth. Totals can be further apart but regularly somewhere ever two years.

[cyclone]

the one year countdown is not far away.
This is the second year in a row of La Nina conditions.

One can view images and timelapse of the sky conditions over the last few years here http://www.wunderground.com/webcams/cyclone/2/show.html


otherwise live webcam here http://www.gorgecreekorchards.com.au/webcam3.htm

[erick]

Good point, Paul. :thumbsup:

So I can say, come to my place tonight and I'll show you a solar eclipse!

It just happens to be on Jupiter, and involves looking away from the Sun rather than at it!! :)

[Poita]

The ones from Jupiter would be solar occultations wouldn't they? i.e. the moon would be bigger than the sun, so you wouldn't get the unique tight fit that we get here when the moon neatly blocks the sun almost exactly?

I'll have to fire up Universe Sandbox and check it out ;^)

http://universesandbox.com/videos/

[glenc]

I plan to watch this for the next two weeks at eclipse time each morning.
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDE00902.loop.shtml
I will compare cloud on the the coast north of Cairns with inland locations.

[AstralTraveller]

So, what are your conclusions?? :question:

[glenc]

Inland looks to be less cloudy.

[mithrandir]

I've booked a place at Trinity Beach. Are any others interested in a pre-eclipse get-together?

When it comes to DSLR photography, would people go for something like an ST80 (400mm f/5) or a 500mm (f/6.3) SCT camera lens on a photo tripod? With an appropriate filter (Baader or maybe Thousand Oaks).

If it was the ST80, would I just need my Manfrotto (190XPROB) or do I have to get the CG5-ASGT out of the cupboard? (SWMBO would think taking the C8 or ED127 and G11 4,000+Km there and back beyond the pale.)

[Jen]

:thumbsup: good on ya Andrew im staying at Palm Cove woohoo cant wait :D
Yes im up for a get together with as many of us as we can either the night before or after or both :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

Don't forget that you all have to race back for Snake Valley camp on 16th - 19th November 2012 ;) :lol:

[Jen]

:sadeyes: that will be the first one i will have to miss Ken :sadeyes: it is going to kill me :(

[ballaratdragons]

Nah, it's OK Jen.

Just think, you get to travel thousands of K's to see a spectacular Eclipse for a whole few minutes :thumbsup:
:P

Worth it to miss out on a normal old camp a whole 3 hours drive away, lasting only 4 nights and full of the same old people and maybe some new folk. :zzz2:

:D :lol:

[Jen]

:( OH... now that you put it like that i wanna go to SV to be sleep deprived for 4 nights and laugh all night with the same old people :lol::lol:

[glenc]

For those observing the eclipse from the beach.
On 14 Nov 2012 low tide in Cairns is at 2:35 am and high tide is at 9:17 am.
http://www.bom.gov.au/oceanography/tides/MAPS/qld.shtml

SkyMapPro gives the following times for the eclipse at Cairns.
Beginning of total phase
Time: 2012 Nov 14 06:38:14
Sun's altitude: 13.6°
End of total phase
Time: 2012 Nov 14 06:40:18
Sun's altitude: 14.1°

[glenc]

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/201111/html/IDCJDW4024.201111.shtml
On 14 Nov 2011 in Cairns the cloud was four 8ths at 9am.
On the 13th and 15th it was two 8ths.

[xstream]

Anna and I have now booked the van in at the Cairns Holiday Park (http://cairnsholidaypark.com.au/) from the 12th - 19th.
(http://cairnsholidaypark.com.au/)

[AstralTraveller]

Memories. We lived in that park for a year - site 79. That was 22 years ago and it looks like a bit has changed but much is the same. We'll have to drop by for old times sake.

[iceman]

The family and I will be staying around Cairns for 7 nights now, instead of heading to Uluru.

The budget just couldn't extend that far.

[erick]

My wife and I might spend several more days on the coast - perhaps Mossman, maybe Port Douglas (!) if the dollars might extend that far?

[xstream]

Make sure you drop in and say hello David.

[StephenM]

Hi all,

I've booked a place in Cairns from 10th to 15th November for the family and I, and we're looking forward to it! Will hopefully catch up with some IISers while up there!

Cheers,
Stephen

[mithrandir]

How about collaborating on a KML for Google Maps with the locations where people intend to be? Just an approximate address with no name if you interested but are concerned about security. I would guess we'd have the coast from Port Douglas to Cairns fairly well covered.

On the Mulligan Highway at around 16.2716° S 144.7159° E seems to be as far as you can get from the coast, still be on the centre line, and catch the whole eclipse. Assuming a clear eastern horizon, the sun will have just cleared it.

A bit closer to the coast than that, the Mulligan Highway at Mt Carbine 16.5302° S 145.1363° E

Do we have any FNQers who'd know those areas?