Total Solar Eclipse March 29 2006: Getting The Perfect Picture

A total solar eclipse is occuring on March 29 2006. Solar eclipse has been coming and going since the beginning of time and have never fails to fascinate man.

So it seems that it is no surprise that the Exploratorium has gone to great lengths to ensure that they got the perfect location for that perfect picture for the solar eclipse that is predicted to occur on March 29 2006



Here in their own words:

Choosing the best place to view an eclipse requires research. We started with a map that shows the eclipse’s path of totality (a narrow path where the moon’s dark umbral shadow falls on the earth’s surface). Then, we analyzed sites along the path and asked ourselves questions: How long does totality last? What are the weather conditions, particularly the chances for clear skies? Is the site accessible by regular transportation? Is there good infrastructure (hotels, Internet access, consistent electricity)? Can the surrounding community support our efforts? Can telescopes and other equipment (in our case, two tons of it) be safely transported to the site?
We considered sending our team to Libya or Egypt. Totality in Libya will last for just over 4 minutes, which is a long time in eclipse terms. But the weather in Libya can be unsettled in March and, due to sandstorms, there’s also a chance that there will be dust in the air. This leaves an overall probability of seeing the eclipse in Libya at 44–53 percent. We also thought about going to Sallum, Egypt, which has an overall 60 percent chance of seeing the eclipse and totality at just under 4 minutes. However, both of these locations have very little infrastructure, plus travel arrangements are difficult.
In Side, Turkey there’s a 60 percent chance of sunshine and a 48 percent overall probability of seeing the eclipse. Totality will last for 3 minutes and 41 seconds. Side offers an excellent infrastructure and a mayor who’s very supportive of our work, plus it’s located near an airport. It’s the best place to send our team.
We won’t be alone in Turkey. Thousands of people from around the world will travel there to get a good glimpse of this eclipse. Joining our group in Side will be the Manchester Astronomical Society, the Malaysian Space Agency, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, as well as dozens of tour groups (many led by professional astronomers).

http://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/2006/why_side.html