Partial Solar Eclipse February 7 2008

lunar eclipse, July 16 2000 lunar eclipse, August 28 2007

This site has featured five lunar eclipses: first a partial eclipse on July 28 1999, then a total eclipse on July 16 2000, another partial eclipse over July 5&6 2001, yet another partial eclipse on October 17 2005, and just last year, a lovely total eclipse on August 28 2007.

We chronicled the (magnificent) total solar eclipse on December 4th 2002
and one partial solar eclipse (from the school grounds, no less!) in 2003.

Well... we're overdue for another one, so: On February 7 2008 we will be treated to another eclipse of the sun, visible from Parramatta, immediately after school time.

Even in Antarctica, where the eclipse will be greatest, it will still not be total, but instead will be annular. Here in Parramatta it will be a partial eclipse. The site shown at right, Ice in Space gives an excellent perspective, from an Australian point of view, of this event. I strongly advise anyone who has an interest in viewing this event to read their article first. At the very least, you should read this warning from the last solar eclipse here at Parramatta. Below is a computer-generated graphic which predicts the appearance of the eclipse as viewed from Parramatta. The four images should be viewed right-to-left. (We won't be able to see the moon as shown - it will appear only as a solid black shadow on the face of the sun. The appearance of the face of the moon and the sun are representational only.) The timings and relative positions are accurate.

Of course, we'll be there... and of course, images will be posted as soon as possible after the event. Stay tuned.

...and here is the only image of relevance. There were a few brief, tantalising glimpses of sunlight during the eclipse, but mostly just dense unremitting cloud. We saw the little chunk bitten out of the top of the sun, just as predicted... and then the heavens opened up, just as forecast. (For once the weather chaps get it right! )

Break out of this frame.