Total Solar Eclipse 2012 - Viewing Locations

[gaa_ian]

As Cairns is my hometown and of course I will be there for the eclipse, I thought I should find out where other IceInSpacers are viewing the eclipse from. Either within the path of totality or elsewhere in the country.
For my part I have decided to host an event (http://everythingastronomy.com/total-solar-eclipse-14thnov2012/) on the family property in Edmonton on the south side of Cairns. We have a good view to the east over distant ranges that only extend for perhaps the first 2deg above the horizon.
It would be great to see a get together of ISS'ers in Cairns too !

[AstralTraveller]

I voted for Adams Dam but I will not be at the 'Eclipse Festival'. Adams Dam is the venue for the 'Cosmic Convergence' but you do not have to be part of that event to camp at the dam. I'm not sure about the camping arrangements except that the the CC will be in it's own area. The worst part about going to the dam has been dealing with the 'organisers' who steadfastly refuse to answer enquiries. The property owners have been fine but they are new to the tourism business and in any case are not the camp organisers. At least that was the situation about 2 months ago.

There is also the Eclipse Downunder festival at another location on the Palmer River near the Palmer River Roadhouse. As far as I can see that is a week of various forms of doof doof on 3-4 stages. Fine if you're into it but certainly not for me.

[gaa_ian]

I am with you on this David, I considered going out there, but decided to keep the event at home with my family so they can enjoy it as well ! The Doof-Doof event apealled not one bit, especially at $500 a ticket ! Adams Dam was a close 2nd to staying at home though.

[cyclone]

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2012/10/11/234988_local-news.html

[MortonH]

Sadly I will be staying in Sydney :sadeyes:

[gaa_ian]

Thanks for the Article Cyclone, I presume you will be viewing from the tablelands ?

[Sarge]

I selected "Other FNQ location", but in fact will be on a cruise ship in path of totality in the pacific - hoping for clear skies
:thumbsup:
Clear skies

Rod
:D:D

[cyclone]

I'm not too sure yet, it will be Mareeba or around Mt Carbine.
I'm a lychee grower as well and we will be picking around the same time as the eclipse :rolleyes:

[gaa_ian]

Are you perhaps on the Pacific Princess in the capable hands of my good friend Raymondo (Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society) ? If so I am sure you will have a ball !

[Sarge]

Ian,

No, on Holland-America MS Oosterdam. Several astronomers also on board for advice and assistance.

Really looking forward to it - I'm getting excited!
:tasdevil:
Clear skies

Rod
:D:D

[space oddity]

There is a marathon race to start at the end of totality for Port Douglas. How whimsical, the first marathon to be held in a total eclipse. Whoopy-do. Could foul up eclipse viewer's plans if they have to move around quickly to escape clouds. Marathon watchers who have no idea of eclipse safety could be optically compromised. Folly, sheer folly.

[OzEclipse]

The marathon starts at third contact. Roads won't close up to totality and I believe it's only road crossings with marshalls not closures.

There was an article in the Cairns post this week. The Captain Cook Highway will not close. Rex Lookout will be closed.

[AstroTourist]

For Cyclone or anyone else in the Mareeba area:
The Tableland Regional Council have identified several "preferred viewing sites". The information is on this flyer:
http://www.trc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2012%20Solar%20Eclipse%20Flyer.pdf (http://www.trc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2012%20Solar%20Eclipse%20Flyer.pdf)
Any advice as to the suitability of any of these areas?
Tks.
Terry

[cyclone]

Skybury coffee and the lookout are elevated sites but limit space.
Southedge i'm not too sure.
the Rodeo grounds is huge, its is where the Grey Nomads park during winter, but it is not elevated.

[AstroTourist]

Thanks for the info.
I had some diffuiculty finding a couple of these palces - I guess the locals know them well.
Any chance you could do some Google Earth pushpins to mark them out (when you get a chance)
Thanks,
Terry

[cyclone]

Skybury http://goo.gl/maps/DqQoR

[AstroTourist]

And I should have added:
Do you have any suggested viewing locations around Mareeba?
Terry

[cyclone]

Rodeo grounds http://goo.gl/maps/VnEma
Southedge http://goo.gl/maps/IHqjn
Lookout Chewko Road http://goo.gl/maps/eoIti

[cyclone]

Sites with toilets, showers etc or just any sites ??

[AstroTourist]

Any sites, best all round outlook is probably the main criteria.
Tks,
Terry

[cyclone]

i need more time to think about this but

Dimbulah road to Skybury coffee is one of them

[gaa_ian]

This is my view to the east for the eclipse (https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2+Coombak+Close,+Edmonton,+Queens land,+Australia&aq=0&oq=2+coombak&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.683309,79.013672&vpsrc=6&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2+Coombak+Close,+Edmonton+Que ensland+4869,+Australia&ll=-17.035639,145.7369&spn=0.0007,0.001206&z=20&cbll=-17.035764,145.736775&panoid=5KlhDOTeh1qG5e3UA6jJVA&cbp=12,75.27,,0,0&ei=Ump9UPO0JOrPmAWeiIGYDA&pw=2) & the location where I will be holding my eclipse tour on the 13th & 14th Nov.
Just a bit up the hill though on our 2 acre property.
I will be pleased to avoid the undoubtedly large amounts of traffic on the roads that morning !

[Liz]

Ooh, that looks good Ian ..... I was driving to work last week, and the Sun is already a good distance from the horizon at 0630. :)

[swannies1983]

In Adelaide. No time or money for this event :sadeyes:.

[gaa_ian]

Hey Liz, are you coming up to Cairns for the eclipse ?

[glenc]

I am going to Mt Carbine.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=95871&highlight=carbine
I am watching the weather maps
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/qld/nth-cst-and-tableland/cairns

[Liz]

Absolutely Ian!! A few of us from Townsville are heading up to Mt Carbine. :)

[Danack]

Do you guys know how much space is there on Mount Carbine that will have a decent view to the east?

[cyclone]

Space as in caravan parks ? Search for my posts about Mt Carbine.

[glenc]

The road just west of Mt Carbine has a good view of the eclipse.
http://goo.gl/maps/cETMi
http://goo.gl/maps/phcXQ

[Danack]

Thanks Glen,

Yep I meant space to view the eclipse from, as looking around Mount Carbine there didn't seem to be that many promontories from which you could look out over the surrounding vegetation.

[mithrandir]

Since there's no way to change my vote, add 1 to "outside the path of totality" and take 1 off "cairns northern beaches". :(

[Brettstar6754]

Hi Cyclone, thanks for all your posts about viewing locations.
Can I ask If anyone has any accurate numbers of eclipse party attendees at Adams Dam and or any events nearer the gold fields?

I'm concerned about dust if traffic gets heavy up in the goldfields and access to them.
We plan to free camp up in the goldfields in our new 4wd, we can handle very rough tracks to get some distance from concert events.

[AstroTourist]

My understanding is that at Adams dam they were going to cater for 1,500 but that actual numbers may be closer to 500.
But who knows how many more will be scattered along the road (track) through to Mayfield.
The Eclipse Music Festival which is a little further north will have between 7,000 and 10,000 but that is on a different access road from the Mulligan Highway.
Terry

[cyclone]

it will be unknown until a couple days before.
I asked the owners of the Mt Carbine pub, are they ready for influx, and he said they are ready as they can be. Hope they have enough beer !

[Jen]

No idea yet :shrug:but im starting to freak out a little now :help:

[NightOwl]

We'll be in Palm Cove, and planning to view from the beach.
Sue

[gaa_ian]

That's a shame Andrew, hope you get a good partial eclipse :-)

[gaa_ian]

It's good to get back into IIS again an see what people are up to. I have been out of circulation a bit doing my Astro stall the "Cosmic Cafe" up at the Tablelands Folk Festival.
Talked to lots of people about the eclipse and sold quite a few sets of eclipse shades !
Looking forward to the Eclipse tour and meeting up with as many of you as possible before, during and after the eclipse for what will be a very busy & exciting week in Cairns :thumbsup:

[johnsonlau]

I'm from Hong Kong. I'd like to have some comments from Mareeba local people. I will take a bus from Cairns to Mareeba and will arrive at about 6:30pm the day before. I will stay outdoor overnight. Since I don't drive, I won't be able to go too far away from the town centre.

I have found a potential observation site with clear eastward and westward view here: http://goo.gl/maps/kU8z5

There is a 24hr McDonald's nearby. I bet they have a toilet? I won't mind paying but staying there >12hr without a toilet is quite difficult.

Is it safe to stay there outdoor overnight? Any risk of robber or dangerous animal? In the worst case may I stay in the McDonald's?

Actually I can't see the McDonald's on google street (which photos were taken in 2008). Is it a new one?

Is there any better options, with a clear eastward view and a toilet?

Thank you!!!!!

[cyclone]

Currently the McDonalds is not 24hr, but i can go in and ask if they intend to open 24hrs on the 13/14th Nov.

There is CCTV in the middle of the town, if you wish to park there overnight, but i don't know what the police would think.

We do have 3 of 24hr service (fuel) stations

I don't know of any dangerous animals in Mareeba except for snakes, spiders etc. we don't have large bears etc.

Mareeba is located on a plateau, but the google map you provided should see the sunrise.

[johnsonlau]

I checked here http://mcdonalds.com.au/ and it says it's 24hr. If it was not, please help people like me to ask for that. Although fuel stations are enough but Mcdonald's is still preferred.

I made a simulation on Google Earth and there should be no obstruction at the position I indicated.

[Davros]

Be aware that a 24hr McDonalds may only refer to the drive through component. The actual shop itself will likely not be open so toilets not accessible.

[TheoP]

Hi,
I am flying up from Adelaide on Tuesday, picking up a car and supplies for the night and drive to Ellis Beach area to find a good place to park the car for the night and eclipse. I plan on observing the night sky on Tuesday night and perhaps only sleep a few hours in the car before getting up early to observe the eclipse from the beach. I will have a few cameras, tripods, etc.

I need some advice from the NQLD locals. Is this a good plan? Will it be safe? Will there be be other people doing the same?

Is there a better place to do this from?

Thanks
Theo

[gaa_ian]

Yes Theo, 50 to 60 thousand others !
And there are road closures you should be aware of:
http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/community-information/annual-events/eclipse/eclipse-road-closures

[cyclone]

I went to Mcdonalds today, and i asked if they will open 24hrs on 13/14th, she said no ATM, but she will talk to the store manager and see if they will open all night.
You see, the feedback so far in Mareeba is that there is going to be no one here at night and everyone will be up north.

[johnsonlau]

Thanks so much. I just found more 24hr public toilets here http://www.toiletmap.gov.au/ and there is one near the police station.

Why people do not want to stay in Mareeba? For better weather or just for a longer total eclipse?

Since I don't drive, I don't really have many choices. Cairns Northern beach (e.g. Palm Cove), Port Douglas, Mareeba are the only locations with regular bus services. If weather is my first priority, is Mareeba better than the coast? (It seems so with the webcams)

[NJB]

I will be in Palm Cove, and I hope I will be able to find a suitable viewing spot. We arrive a couple days before so that I can explore. Are there any IceInSpacers setting up a group location in Palm Cove? I am hoping to use a computer/camera/telescope combination, but the priority is to simply "see" it with my family.

Noel

[Jen]

:hi: g'day Noel I have finally decided that I will be viewing the eclipse in palm cove also so I would love to join in with you and other peeps from here I will have my solar scope and camera :D

[iceman]

I'll be at Palm Cove with my family, just intended to walk down to the beach and setup a couple of tripods and cameras.

[gary]

Hi Mike,

It is also a good opportunity to remind those who will be observing from
the beaches about the incoming tide which will be one of the highest of
the year.

At 2:28 AM, at Palm Cove, it will be at its lowest at 0.22m.
That is at a time when a lot of people will head down to the beach
and start to set up their equipment.

At 9:06 AM, close to 2 and a half hours after totality, it will be at a high of
2.96m.

Obviously those who are cognizant of the tide situation will estimate where
the high tide will come up to and setup their gear above that mark.

Those who are not might make the mistake of setting up lower
toward the water. Once the tide starts coming in, it will do so
quickly and one might find those who are about to get wet
start retreating back up the beach and into the path of those who
setup above the high water point.

So if you see someone setting up below you and below the
tidal mark at eclipse time, you may want to given them a friendly
reminder.

Failing that, you could remind them that the crocodiles love to
hunt for careless pray at night. :lol:


Joe Cali's web site has additional information and insight into
the tide situation.
http://joe-cali.com/eclipses/PLANNING/TSE2012p/Tides_eclipse_from_the_beach.html

[cyclone]

add some views for interested parties

[JethroB76]

There are many mentions of people intending to view from beach spots such as Palm Cove - is this purely because that is where they are staying? There are other significant stretches of beach in Cairns such as Holloway's Beach - is there a reason not to go there?

[h0ughy]

where are they at cyclone?

[cyclone]

Top 2 are 10km west of Mareeba, the bottom 2 are 3 km west of Mareeba

[h0ughy]

thanks

[NJB]

Given the reminder from Gary about the tides and similar comments elsewhere previously, I was hoping to find some bit of land with a bit of height and a view to the east. I tried on Google Maps, but didn't find anything obvious. What I did see seemed to indicate "Palm Cove" is well named and has lots of palms to obstruct the view unless you are on the beach! I have never been to Palm Cove, so have nothing else to go by.

So, if others are on the beach, I'll probably do the same. I'll be staying at Silvester Palms, and bought a folding trolley to carry my gear to wherever I go. On the day of the eclipse I plan on getting out my Qld Astrofest shirt to help be seen. (I don't have an IceInSace one, and left it too late to try to get one!) Plus I'll have my wife and 5 year old daughter with me, and our IceInSpace eclipse gasses!

So Jen and others, I hope to meet up somewhere there on the beach!

Noel

[cyclone]

there is only 4 easy ways to get from Cairns to the Tablelands.
from the south.
Palmerston Range: head south and turn right before Innisfail, and follow the signs to Atherton/Mareeba ( fog may be an issue early morning south of Atherton)
Gillies Range: head south and turn right at Gordonvale and follow the signs to Yungaburra/Atherton ( the range road is very windy )
Kuranda Range: head north and turn left at Smithfield and floow the signs to Mareeba, this is the most common road.
Rex Range: head north past the northern beaches, past the Port Douglas turn off, then turn left a few km after. Follow the signs to Mt Molloy

[cyclone]

Please note: In a public place you will be asked to move on if you close your eyes and sleep.

[johnsonlau]

I won't. If the weather is good, I will have an overnight observation with my telescope.

[cyclone]

travel times under NORMAL conditions
Palmerston Range:Cairns to Mareeba allow 3 hrs
Gillies Range: Cairns to Mareeba 1.5 hrs
Kuranda Range: Cairns to Mareeba 1 hr
Rex Range: Cairns to Mareeba 2.5 hrs

[Brigmlt]

Hi all,

I am wondering what the situation will be like in Cairns, on the esplanade, anyone there already that knows what it is most likely to happen?
Will people be camping there for the night to secure their spots?

I have managed to get a last minute flight ticket from Sydney and even a room at the YHA, but fat chance for a car rental!!

So I will be on the esplanade, will anyone from this forum be there too?

Cheers, Brigitte

[Davros]

Can somebody who is going to the eclipse in Cairns take some snapshots of the crowds? It would be interesting to see the number of people out there viewing at the different locations. Especially for future reference.

[MrAstro]

For future reference :-) by the time there is another total solar eclipse in Cairns I would imagine I'll be enjoying it from inside a wooden box :eyepop: but for what it's worth I'll try to take a photo of the crowd.

[cyclone]

the next total eclipse for Cairns is in 2237, BUT it will occur at sunrise

[axle01]

Hey guys newby here, i Live in Townsville about 4hrs south of Cairns and we are heading up to cairns early Tuesday morning and to view the eclipse we have booked 3 seats on the Kuranda train that will stop at the lookout over Cairns for an hour, just hope the sky's are clear and there's no cloud up in the ranges.

Alan

[cyclone]

Yep, at my home town

[Steffen]

Me too, but what's really sad is the weather forecast for Wednesday morning… :sadeyes:

Cheers
Steffen.

[Willoughby]

Heading to Milingimbi, Northern Territory today to take a chance at photographing it just after sunrise at 1.5° above the horizon. Got a good feeling.

[04Stefan07]

Going to be home in Melbourne, prob won't see much but having a few mates over.

Going to have 2 setups (originally telescope with webcam but the webcam does not take good shots of the sun so just the scope) and DSLR taking wide angle shots, close shots and would LOVE to do a little time lapse with the less powerful lens.

Is it safe to use the less powerful lens and point to the sun with no filter to do a timelapse video like this guy did? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZGcQWu6bKc

or could that damage the lens/sensor?