China 2009 Eclipse

The longest Total Solar Eclipse of this century appeared in China July 22nd. It was about 2 1/2 hours from the first contact to the end and the total eclipse lasted about 6 minutes. We were on the bus ready to go at 4:00 am. This was the first time our tour guides did anything on time. We left Hangzhou at 4:15 am. When we arrived at the reservoir two and half hours later, the parking lot was either half empty or half full. (And they wanted to leave at 6:00 am).

Tropical Sails Corp choose the right position, far from city and on a high altitude and wide places to avoid the rain and thick clouds in summer, and we give thanks for the co-operation of the weather. Three Chinese students at Hangzhou Senior High School traveled 1400 km along the eclipse path with gps equipment. Tianhuangpig reservoir near Anji, Zhejiang province is where Tropical Sails Corp observed the eclipse in a semi private marked off section on the dam. This was the number one site suggested by the students in their small publication.

What an exciting and perfect morning! The satellite image was clear at 3:00 am where we were going. The forecast was for showers and rain. As we climbed to 960 meters, all that was left were thin, wispy clouds, resembling fog.

"Richard Mankowski, 61, of the US, had brought a chair all the way from Hangzhou to enjoy the eclipse "in a comfortable way." "The whole eclipse will last more than two hours. Why not? Asked Makowski. Most of his 53 traveling companions from Tropical Sails Corp also brought their own."

From China Daily, English language newspaper.

Pre eclipse activities were spotty. The sun passed over clouds. On time the diamond ring burst on to the scene. Six minutes of glory and brilliant sunset on the north and south lit up the valley. The sky was very very dark. The moon's shadow passed from west to east. The big black dot just hung in the sky with all its majesty. The second diamond ring was followed by cheers, great relief and champagne. Our video and photos turned out fantastic.