Eclipsed in Hong Kong

Solar eclipse: the sun as seen from Hong Kong was 75% obscured.

View Photos (14) Image © 2009 Albert Wen

It's a solar eclipse. These things don't happen very frequently. I faintly remember a couple before now, but can't quite remember if I even paid attention, never mind watching it.

But, this one is 'major'. It will pass over the most densely inhabited areas on Earth. It's also long - lasting six minutes and 39 seconds.

Unlike Shanghai, where there will be a total eclipse, the sun in Hong Kong will only be obscured 75% (of course no one mentions the fact that we don't see much of it on most days, as it hides behind the smog). But since we are right here, we might as well go see it.

Shanghai is taking this seriously. They have plans. They are even keeping the runway lights on at both airports, so pilots can see during the eclipse.

In Hong Kong, the Space Museum is hosting a viewing party, as well as the Astronomical Society.

We tossed around various places to best observe it, and finally decided on the Star Ferry, thinking we will get a nice view from its top floor. One thing we forgot to factor in was the early hour in the day. By the time the eclipse started, we were still minutes away. The original plan was quickly abandoned, and as luck would have it, we were right outside IFC in Central, with a pretty good view of the sun.

Many people were already gathered, watching and taking pictures. I observed various techniques for viewing the eclipse and photographing it. Here are some of them...

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Published on 7/23/09