On November 23, 2003, total eclipse of the Sun will be visible from a narrow track across Antarctica, while a partial eclipse will be visible over the tip of South America and parts of Australia and New Zealand. It will occur between 5:24 and 6:14 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The folks at Sky & Telescope have a group scheduled to fly over Antarctica at an altitude of 38,000 feet. Those aboard will experience 2 minutes 26 seconds of totality — 29 seconds more than is possible from the ground. Other expeditions include a group from the University of Arizona, doing a similar flyover to catch the eclipse from planes laden with scientific equipment. And, of course, there are sea and land-based trips for folks to get their “umbral” fix that way, as well.
So what’s the draw of an eclipse? I’ve traveled to five total solar eclipse paths since 1979 and have seen 3 full totalities. The others were clouded out. There is no way to completely describe the awesome sight of the Sun gradually disappearing behind the Moon. But it is awesome. And it makes you want jump and shout and turn all about… so, I can completely understand the need of umbraphiles to get more umbra.
I won’t be along with them this time but I will try to follow along on my computer on Sunday night as the excitement begins. Want to join me? If you aren’t on one of the many expeditions bound to the southern hemisphere to see this event, check out these links:
SkyandTelescope.com. They’ll be posting images on their site sometime after the plane lands.
“LIVE! ECLIPSE 2003” from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
Antarctica 2003 – Soleil noir sur Continent blanc la Fondation Polaire Internationale (et en francais). You have to register to use the site, but it’s free.
Also, the Discovery Channel will be airing the eclipse live on Sunday night during a program called Discovery Special Presentation: Solar Eclipse Live from Antarctica. Check your local schedule for showtime listings.
Happy eclipse watching!