Total Solar Eclipse 2009

michaeloconnell wrote:

8. Someone shouting "First Contact!" about 5 mins too early

Now this I really like! Watch all of the astrophotographers trip over each other trying to get to their cameras and shutter cables.

Anthony.

Gents,

Further price cuts by the airlines yesterday!

Athens -> Dubai -> Shanghai -> Dubai -> Athens now down to 550 euro which is even less than last year's trip to Novosibirsk.

Anthony.

Thanks for the heads up Anto.
I've rechecked today and they have also fallen here.
With the reduced cabin rate on the ship and airline rate it
is actually becoming very tempting again.

Frank,

In the event you do decide to head off to China for the eclipse by air, do check out the various options available to you since competition is really heating up. For example, Emirates just increased their luggage allowance for "Economy" travelers from 20 kg to 30 kg and which is quite generous for all sorts of equipment.

Anthony.

Interesting article here re cloud cover over mainland Chaina.
Looks like Shanghai is the place to be.

rses.anu.edu.au/~jcali/eclipses/PLANNING...es_on_the_weath.html

Michael.

Michael,

My original destination was Shanghai due to the favourable weather conditions and predictions (being coastal) and the fact the city is very picturesque. However, the smog and air pollution are a serious problem and can be especially problematic during totality.

For this reason, I changed my plans for Hangzhou which lies 180 kilometers southwest of Shanghai and which is an 80-min train ride (for five euros). It is also very picturesque, especially West Lake, and the atmosphere should be relatively cleaner and more transparent. Futhermore, bus rides are being arranged right now near the water plant facility one-hr northwest of Hangzhou and 1500 km (?) atop one of the mountains in the event low-level clouds are being predicted.

Of course, with monsoon season, the 180-km distance between Shanghai and Hangzhou means very little if the elements seriously turn against you.

I will be in Hangzhou in the event anyone here from IFAS is in the area.

Anthony.