Lunar eclipse on Sunday

Chiang Mai: -- The penumbral lunar eclipse on 24 April will be difficult for gazers in Thailand to see as the sky will be very bright in the afternoon when it occurs.

The moon moves through the outer portion of the Earth's shadow causing what is called a penumbral lunar eclipse, explained Prof. Boonraksa Suntorntham of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Although, people in Thailand won't have a clear view of the eclipse when it appears during the day, it will clearly seen in Australia and New Zealand.

Lunar eclipses occur every year, but the penumbral ones are rare. But when they do occur it provides a good opportunity for people to study astronomy, he said.

Asia’s biggest observatory is to be built on Thailand's highest peak "Doi Inthanon", in the northern Chiang Mai province, said Mr. Boonraksa, who heads the project to establish a national astronomical research institute.

Its construction is expected to cost more than 300 million baht and should be completed by 2007.

Its construction will mark the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King.

The observatory will be equipped with a 130 million baht automated telescope. The telescope, operated by remote control, will be used for astronomical studies throughout the country through the internet.

It will be an important milestone in the history of Thai astronomy, Prof Boonraksa said.(

--TNA 2005-04-22

... Thailand's highest peak "Doi Inthanon"...

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I've been there! Had a picture taken standing in front of the big sign that says "....highest spot in Thailand..." . But 300 million for an observatory? Do they really need it?