Total/Hybrid Solar Eclipse, November 3, 2013

[JB80]

Hi all,

Just a heads up that on November the 3rd, 2013 there will be a total/hybrid solar eclipse to be seen from as far as the eastern US, some of South America, throughout Africa and even Spain.

The path of totality runs through Gabon, Congo, D.R. of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and a touch of Somalia. This would certainly make for an interesting trip.

I know it's a bit early but seeing as events like these are rather special and many people are making travel plans already I thought it might be a good idea to get in now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_November_3,_2013

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2013Nov03Hgoogle.html

http://www.hermit.org/eclipse/2013-11-03/

I know there is some talk on SGL about a 4x4 trip which would take in the eclipse and was wondering if others are making plans with locations like the Canaries, Spain, Morocco, Egypt and other Mediterranean locations being relatively close.

Maybe a few SGL meet ups can be organised if there is enough people heading to certain locations.

So anyone have any plans or ideas?

P.S

There may be, and I use the term 'may' very loosely as I'm not overly sure if it's even possible, something extra special about the totality of this eclipse.

First person to guess gets showered with the like button.

[SDJK]

Jarrod, currently trying to get organised to see this from East Africa mainland. Wondered if there was any astro community (SGL?) on this (plus intrigued by the extra special hook!)

[goodricke1]

something extra special about the totality of this eclipse.

Comet ISON visible at the same time maybe?

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

It is crossing Uganda, and I know some folks there, but from what I see totality is in the northern region, which is not the most stable part.

[Qualia]

If I recall, there will only be a very partial eclipse around midday in Spain (no matter where you view from).

There are some possible suggestions to why this eclipse may be special:

1. It's a hybrid eclipse - it starts as an annular eclipse and then briefly becomes a total eclipse.
   
2. Where the annular eclipse is visible a broken ring of the sun will be apparent.
   
3. Where the total eclipse is visible a diamond ring for the sun will be apparent.
   
4. Most of the eclipse will occur over the Atlantic Ocean and deep, uninhabited rain forests of Africa, so finding a viewing site to enjoy the full splendor will be quite tricky.
   

[foundaplanet]

You are going to be able to see the proms at totality..

[Paul M]

I won't be travelling for this one. We'll only be 3 weeks back from the Canaries then so we'll be travelled up!

Here's my favorite eclipse tool : http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/HSE_2013_GoogleMapFull.html

It's rather brilliant for eclipse chase planning. Here's the index page; http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/SolarEclipsesGoogleMaps.html

I've just done some calculations in my head and can reveal that this totality will be special because there will also be a lunar transit of the sun at the same time. Wow!

[LukeSkywatcher]

Mogadishu looks good for this one.

LOL.

[Qualia]

There may be....something extra special about the totality of this eclipse....First person to guess...

I'm waiting with bated breath for the answer

[JB80]

Oops, I forgot about this thread being away and all that.

Right, well I am probably wrong here anyway but Goodricke1 said what I was thinking may be special. I believe at the time the early estimates would of put ISON at mag +6 and at 50° from the Sun my thing was with a wide enough camera lens and long as you can expose it may of been possible to pick it up on camera. Then with some shifty setting changes swing round to the eclipse and make a panorama of sorts.

Sounds plausible enough even if not terribly feasible.

Like I said it may not be possible but it was a thought.

Also it has reminded me to speed up and work out a decent imaging system with the PST mod, I'll take a partial eclipse any day if I can.