Total Solar Eclipse, July 22, 2009

iceman (Mike) · #1 23-02-2009, 07:48 AM

If you're after an adventure, don't forget about the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse in China, on 22nd July 2009. It's being reported as the best this century, as totality lasts over 6 minutes in some places. I know there are a number of eclipse-chasers on IceInSpace, who already travel the world chasing the shadow of the Moon as it falls upon the Earth. From all reports, these are spectacular events - something you'll never forget and definitely worth making an effort to see.

Eclipse tours can be the best way to experience this event, as you get to combine the eclipse with a holiday and share it with others after that same experience. SkyWings Travel is offering two tours to China that take in the Total Solar Eclipse on July 22 - they may be worth checking out if you're keen to let a tour company handle all the details for you.

To read more about the Total Solar Eclipse, I've written an article which will give you all the information you need to prepare for this rare event, including:

What is a Solar Eclipse?
When and Where can I see it?
Eclipse Tours
Viewing / Observing Guide
Photography / Imaging Guide
Upcoming Solar Eclipses

You can read the article by clicking on the link below:

Total Solar Eclipse, 22nd July 2009 - Observing / Imaging Guide

Who's planning on going?

glenc (Glen) · #2 23-02-2009, 09:24 AM

Thanks Mike. If you want to plan your own trip to China here are some web sites.
http://www.bestflights.com.au/cgi-bi...ights?mainlist
http://www.asiarooms.com/china/shang...te=40-80%20AUD
My main worry in China is haze.

andrew · #3 23-02-2009, 04:53 PM

I'm very keen to see this one, would be an amazing experience

Thanks for the imaging guide Mike

glenc (Glen) · #4 12-03-2009, 08:57 AM

This website helps you find cheap fares: http://adioso.com/
http://adioso.com/search/sydney-to-i...onal-july.html
http://adioso.com/search/gold-coast-...onal-july.html

glenc (Glen) · #5 08-04-2009, 06:11 AM

Singapore Airlines has a special To Shanghai which is available until 17/4. You can fly between April and Nov.
e.g Brisbane - Shanghai return for $940 including taxes with a stopover in Singapore. ($344 + $596 taxes)
http://www.bestflights.com.au/cgi-bi...indetails=4191

ej · #6 04-07-2009, 12:24 AM

take Southern China Airline at july, to most main cities in China for only $440+Tax, or special rate for 3 people travelling together is only $600+ 3 people's Tax. visit: http://flights.chinatravel.com.au/
see you in China.

Astro78 · #7 07-07-2009, 04:54 PM

Hey Mike,

This would make a great prize on Iceinspace

Shano592 (Shane) · #8 08-07-2009, 11:56 PM

Awesome! I'm already here, and only 90 minutes from Hangzhou. Better set up a pinhole box, I think!

Screwdriverone (Chris) · #9 09-07-2009, 12:35 AM

I am going to be leaving on Saturday 18th to travel via Hong Kong and will be in Hangzhou (my company has an office there) on the 20th, returning on the 24th.

Travelling with the boss, so it BUSINESS class all the way there and back, Yeeeeehah!

I am glad I conned, oops, I mean asked, for me to be able to go there to see it, just hope the weather is good and no smog etc.

Might have to do work while I am there, but hey, them's the breaks...

Cheers

Chris

glenc (Glen) · #10 09-07-2009, 01:55 AM

Here is a forecast http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/1354

Shano592 (Shane) · #11 09-07-2009, 12:13 PM

The weather has been pretty good for the last couple of days. Last week, the smog was right on top of you, but lately, there have been blue skies, and no thunderstorms. You can sill see the hills that are about 20km away, so that's something. I even saw the moon the other night!

Last year at this time though, was totally different. Rain every day, 39 degrees plus. Talk about an oven ...!

Screwdriverone (Chris) · #12 10-07-2009, 12:18 PM

SHHHHHH!

Dont jinx us Shane! There will be freaking smog and clouds if you keep this up.....

Chris

Shano592 (Shane) · #13 12-07-2009, 11:59 PM

Smog in China??? Naaaaahhh!!

glenc (Glen) · #14 21-07-2009, 08:43 AM

Looks like heavy rain for tomorrow around Shanghai.
http://www.meteoblue.com/en/specials...-22-july-2009/

cookie8 (Vincent) · #15 21-07-2009, 11:39 AM

Same forecast for Hangzhou: heavy rain.....looking ugly, real ugly

neilallison (Neil) · #16 21-07-2009, 01:36 PM

Hi All

I'm new to this forum and have a question about about the eclipse.
Once I heard about the eclipse, I went and had a look in Stellarium and according to that, I can see the eclipse from Melbourne too - that can't be right !!!!

Will there be any chance of seeing a partial eclipse though (even if it's only a small chunk)?

Cheers.

iceman (Mike) · #17 21-07-2009, 02:09 PM

Hi Neil.

Sorry, there's no chance of seeing anything from Melbourne.

Cheers

erick (Eric) · #18 21-07-2009, 02:15 PM

Check your location setting in Stellarium, Neil. I remember playing with this by setting to the time of the eclipse, then changing the viewing location. It worked well and the screen only showed total eclipse in the right locations.

Shano592 (Shane) · #19 21-07-2009, 02:47 PM

I'm getting the same forecast that I had for yesterday, and if it holds true, then it's just going to be very hot. Yesterday in YiWu (about 90 minutes out of Hangzhou) it was about 39 degrees.

Light cloud today, and a very (un)comfortable 37 degrees (at the moment). Last night, at midnight, it was a significantly cooler 36 ...

. Thank the deities for hotel airconditioning!

Mind you, I am also further inland, so the coastal effects don't hit as hard here (I hope), normally.

glenc (Glen) · #20 21-07-2009, 03:18 PM

Neil, the only place in Australia that will see anything is Cape York and then it is only a 3.5% eclipse.