Menu

Main
A&S Magazine
Subscribe
Junior Section
Lecture Webcasts
Lecture DVDs
Radio Show
Events 2005     Evening Classes
Links
Contact Us
About Us
Report a Fireball
ISS Page
Past event/reports
Planetarium
Fundraising
Employment

 Shop

 Shop Index
 Telescopes
  -Firstscope
  -H.D.
  -GoTo
  -Adv. NexStar
  -DTG
  -Binoculars
  -SLR Camera
  -CCD Cameras
 Accessories
 How to Find us


Eclipse 2006
 

 

Adapted from 'Astronomy & Space' - Sky Diary, March 2006.

Written By: David Grennan

 
 

On March 29th, people from many parts of the world will see a very special event.  A solar eclipse.  Throughout history solar eclipses brought fear and trepidation to our ancestors.  The ancient Chinese believed a dragon was devouring the Sun.  Hindus believed a horrible demon was attacking our nearest star.  Ancient Egyptians worshipped the Sun and as such a solar eclipse was seen as a terrible portent of doom.  "Nowadays we have no such fear as we can explain the mechanics involved very simply" - David Moore - Chairman, Astronomy Ireland.

 
From all of Ireland and the UK we will see a partial eclipse on the morning of March 29th.  The diagram opposite shows just how much of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon on that morning.

The eclipse begins in Dublin at 10:49am and ends at 12:09pm.  From Galway the start time is also 10:49 and the eclipse ends at 12:03pm.  Cork's start time is 10:46 am and the end time is 12:04pm.  We can see that there are only slight timing differences for locations throughout the country.

Everybody should make a special effort to enjoy this event.
 

From many parts of Ireland and indeed the UK the circumstances are shown in the diagram opposite.  The altitude and azimuth in degrees are show for the position of the Sun at that time. Timings for various locations around Ireland vary by only a small few minutes.

Eclipses occur when the Moon passes in front of the Sun from our point of view. From various locations the Sun can be seen to be slightly more or slightly less eclipsed.  Sometimes certain locations will see the Sun totally obscured by the Moons disk.  This eclipse will be 'total' across a path which begins in Brazil, moves through Africa, crosses the Mediteranean Sea, into Turkey and on into north eastern Asia.

 

*IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE*

NEVER look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection.  Even looking at the Sun directly for a brief moment can cause PERMANENT eye damage.  Special filter material is available to allow eclipse viewers to safely observe this special event.  Only use approved filter material.  Binoculars and telescopes should be covered completely by this special filter material at the front (lens) end.  Never use any filter which attaches to the rear (eyepiece) end of any optical equipment.  Never leave children unattended in the presence of optical equipment.  "It only takes a moment of carelessness to destroy your eyesight for life.  Enjoy this eclipse safely" says Astronomy Ireland chairman David Moore.  "Eclipse shades" made from this filter material and sheets of this material are available from Astronomy Ireland.  Please contact our shop for further details.
 

Over 160 Irish people will be travelling to Turkey to view the eclipse.  From Turkey (and a few other places around the world) this eclipse will be total.  Day will be turned to almost night for a few moments as the Moon completely covers the face of the Sun. This is the largest expedition ever organised by Astronomy Ireland. A private charter plane has been hired to cater for the massive interest in this event by the Irish public.  Members of Astronomy Ireland, including chairman David Moore will be on hand to witness the spectacle.

Press Note:  High resolution diagrams of the above are available in TIF format by clicking on each diagram.  Please include the following if publishing images "Credit: Astronomy Ireland."