Ring of the Millennium - AstroNation takes part!
On 15. January 2010 an annular solar eclipse takes place over the Indian Ocean. The eclipse reaches a duration of over 11 minutes soutwest of the Maldives islands. It is the longest annular eclipse of the 3rd millennium. Also the total duration of the eclipse (including the partial phases) is with its more than 4 hours unusually long. This is due to the moon progessing slower in front of the sun near his farest point (apogee).
Stephan Heinsius and Dirk Ewers will observe the solar eclipse from the Maldive island of Ellaidhoo west of the capital Male. Images and near live reports from the Maldives are expected from Tue. 12 January onwards. A live transmission of the event depends on the technical facitities on site and results are expected to be announced on 12th or 13rd January.
Stephan Heinsius, 23. December 2009.