Total Solar Eclipse 2012 - Viewing Locations

gaa_ian (Ian) · #1 10-10-2012, 01:20 PM

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 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 (David) · #2 10-10-2012, 01:44 PM

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 (Ian) · #3 10-10-2012, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · #4 11-10-2012, 07:16 AM

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/201...ocal-news.html

MortonH · #5 11-10-2012, 12:13 PM

Sadly I will be staying in Sydney

gaa_ian (Ian) · #6 11-10-2012, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclone

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/201...ocal-news.html

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

Sarge (Rod) · #7 11-10-2012, 06:42 PM

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

Clear skies

Rod

cyclone · #8 11-10-2012, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaa_ian

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

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

gaa_ian (Ian) · #9 12-10-2012, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

Clear skies

Rod

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 (Rod) · #10 13-10-2012, 12:07 AM

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!

Clear skies

Rod

space oddity · #11 13-10-2012, 08:08 PM

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 (Joe Cali) · #12 13-10-2012, 11:50 PM

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 (Terry) · #13 15-10-2012, 08:59 AM

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
Any advice as to the suitability of any of these areas?
Tks.
Terry

cyclone · #14 15-10-2012, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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
Any advice as to the suitability of any of these areas?
Tks.
Terry

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 (Terry) · #15 15-10-2012, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · #16 15-10-2012, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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

AstroTourist (Terry) · #17 15-10-2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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
Any advice as to the suitability of any of these areas?
Tks.
Terry

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

cyclone · #18 15-10-2012, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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

cyclone · #19 15-10-2012, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstroTourist

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

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

AstroTourist (Terry) · #20 15-10-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclone

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

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