Catch the solar eclipse

By The Nation

Published on July 20, 2009

Telescopes will be provided for stargazers and those interested in watching the solar eclipse on Wednesday at a major observation site in Pathum Thani and eight other locations around Thailand.

National Science Museum scientists will also explain at the site about the natural phenomenon, which will occur from 7am to 9.30am. A thousand tinted pairs of spectacles will be provided for free.

A total solar eclipse cannot be observed within entire Thailand, and the time it begins will vary depending from where it is observed. Call 02 577 9999 extension 2102 or 1835 for more information.

The National Astronomical Institute of Thailand (NAIT) said the duration of the eclipse will be exactly from 7am to 9.19am. Countries and areas where a full eclipse can be seen are India, China, Japan and the South Pacific.

After the total eclipse in Thailand in 1995, this solar ecplise will set a record as the longest so far in the 21st Century, with a duration time of six minutes and 39 seconds. It will last the longest in Chiang Mai - two hours and 12 minutes - as well as be the largest eclipse, with 69 per cent of the moon's shadow covering the Sun.

Bangkokians can see it from 7.06am to 9.08am and can view the moon's shadow at a coverage percentage of 42.2 at 8.03am.

The NAIT is cooperating with Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok and eight universities and colleges in other parts of the country to arrange observation sites from which people can view the eclipse.

-- The Nation 2009/07/20

So, did anyone see it? Miserable rain here in Bangkok, no chance of seeing anything.

So, did anyone see it? Miserable rain here in Bangkok, no chance of seeing anything.

Pre-emptive post? Time travel request? If I am not mistaken, it is tomorrow, not today. Will be up early to try to see it up north....

Some info I posted on how to photograph an eclipse > here

So, did anyone see it? Miserable rain here in Bangkok, no chance of seeing anything.

Pre-emptive post? Time travel request? If I am not mistaken, it is tomorrow, not today. Will be up early to try to see it up north....

I bet my shoes(the old ones)that tomorrow will be raining as well..

It's a sad fact that many people will damage their eyesight permanently because of their ignorance of how to witness a solar eclipse safely.

Warn friends and relatives of the dangers.