Thailand among few to see eclipse July 22
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Thailand residents will be among the world€™s lucky few in range to see the century€™s longest solar eclipse July 22.
As much as 60 percent of the sun€™s surface will be shadowed by the moon over Thailand between 7 - 9:30 a.m.
Those in the Pattaya area will see a 42 percent eclipse starting at 7:06 a.m. and finishing at 8:03 a.m.
Pattayans will be treated to a partial solar eclipse in the morning on July 22.
The National Institute for Astronomy in Prachinburi said the 240 km shadow would give one of the longest-lasting solar eclipses in history and be visible in India, Pakistan, China, Burma, Thailand and Japan. Those lucky enough to be on a South Pacific island will be treated to a rare total eclipse.
In Thailand, those in the northern provinces will see the shadow last 6 minutes, 39 seconds. For the total eclipse, the moon will block the sun for 21 minutes, 39 seconds.
Bunraksa Sunthorntham, director of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, noted that Thais are keen astronomers but reminded people that looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can lead to blindness. He urged the public to view the event through a mask or protective film.
NARIT is working with eight universities across the country to provide information and safe-viewing stations. Participating in the project are Chulalongkorn University, Chiang Mai University, Ratchapat Chiang Rai University, Naraesuan University, Suranari Technology University, Ratchapat Udon Thani University, Ratchapat Songkla University, and Ratchapat Phuket University.
The best place to view the eclipse will be in Chang Rai, where 69 percent of the sun€™s surface will be covered. In Chang Mai, 63.4 percent will be obstructed. The eclipse starts in both cities at 7:02 a.m. Tourists in Phuket get the short-end of the deal, getting only at 23.4 percent eclipse that begins at 7:13 a.m.
This will be the last eclipse until Jan. 15, 2010. That one will be shorter, but cover more for those in Thailand. Those in Chang Rai will get a 75 percent eclipse this winter.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Thailand residents will be among the world€™s lucky few in range to see the century€™s longest solar eclipse July 22.
As much as 60 percent of the sun€™s surface will be shadowed by the moon over Thailand between 7 - 9:30 a.m.
Those in the Pattaya area will see a 42 percent eclipse starting at 7:06 a.m. and finishing at 8:03 a.m.
Pattayans will be treated to a partial solar eclipse in the morning on July 22.
The National Institute for Astronomy in Prachinburi said the 240 km shadow would give one of the longest-lasting solar eclipses in history and be visible in India, Pakistan, China, Burma, Thailand and Japan. Those lucky enough to be on a South Pacific island will be treated to a rare total eclipse.
In Thailand, those in the northern provinces will see the shadow last 6 minutes, 39 seconds. For the total eclipse, the moon will block the sun for 21 minutes, 39 seconds.
Bunraksa Sunthorntham, director of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, noted that Thais are keen astronomers but reminded people that looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can lead to blindness. He urged the public to view the event through a mask or protective film.
NARIT is working with eight universities across the country to provide information and safe-viewing stations. Participating in the project are Chulalongkorn University, Chiang Mai University, Ratchapat Chiang Rai University, Naraesuan University, Suranari Technology University, Ratchapat Udon Thani University, Ratchapat Songkla University, and Ratchapat Phuket University.
The best place to view the eclipse will be in Chang Rai, where 69 percent of the sun€™s surface will be covered. In Chang Mai, 63.4 percent will be obstructed. The eclipse starts in both cities at 7:02 a.m. Tourists in Phuket get the short-end of the deal, getting only at 23.4 percent eclipse that begins at 7:13 a.m.
This will be the last eclipse until Jan. 15, 2010. That one will be shorter, but cover more for those in Thailand. Those in Chang Rai will get a 75 percent eclipse this winter.
Comment