A total solar eclipse is a spectacular natural phenomenon and many people visiting to remote locations to observe one. The 1999 total eclipse in Europe helped to increase public awareness of the phenomenon, as illustrated by the number of journeys made specifically to witness the 2005 annular eclipse and the 2006 total eclipse. The next solar eclipse will occur on August 1, 2008, and will be a total eclipse.
Novosibirsk, the center of Siberia, will become the center of an amazing astronomical phenomenon - the unique total solar eclipse on this time.
The total eclipse with a width of about 250 km will cross the Western Siberia from the north to the south, then will cross the Altai Mountains and will go further to the difficult to access regions of China and Mongolia. The maximum eclipse will be at 10:21:08 UT, when the maximum time of the total phase will last just under 2:27 minutes in Nizhnevartovsk, 2:20 min in Novosibirsk and 2:14 min in the Altai region. Weather conditions in Siberia at this time of the year are also favorable for eclipse observation. The city is preparing to host thousands of visitors and organizing some free areas for watching the eclipse. About 100-150 telescopes will be set around the city.
In ancient times, and in some cultures today, solar eclipses have been attributed to supernatural causes. Although, it is safe to observe the total phase of a solar eclipse directly with the unaided eye, binoculars or a telescope, when the Sun’s photosphere is completely covered by the Moon; indeed, it is too dim to be seen through filters. The Sun’s faint corona will be visible, and the chromospheres, solar prominences, and possibly even a solar flare may be seen. However, viewing the Sun after totality can be dangerous and it’s extremely recommended to take care of it before traveling.
Solar eclipses occur during a new moon, lunar eclipses – during a full moon. Usually there are two lunar and two solar eclipses a year. The maximum amount of eclipses is seven. Lunar and solar eclipses repeat in the same order in definite periods of time. This special eclipse circle is called Saros (Egyptian – repetition), it lasts 18 years, 11 days. There are 70 eclipses in every Saros, 42 solar and 28 lunar. Total solar eclipses are rare and occur once in 200-300 years.
The next total solar eclipses will occur in Northern America in 2017, in Europe – in 2026, and in Russian Federation – in 2030.

anastasiak :: Jul.29.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

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