The greatest eclipse of the 21st century is just a few months away. The eclipse is passing across the entire breadth of India. The wide path of totality passes over the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. The eclipse passes through highly populated regions of India. Millions of citizens will watch the eclipse occurring in the sky over their cities. Apart from the wide path of totality the entire country will witness a partial eclipse in the morning hours of Wednesday, 22nd July. The significance of the eclipse is heightened as it is occurring in the International Year of Astronomy.
To prepare for the eclipse, Eclipse Chasers Athenæum, the eclipse sphere of SPACE, is conducting ‘Solar Eclipse Workshop’ at Shankar Lal Concert Hall, Delhi University Campus, New Delhi on 9th, 10th and 11th January 2009.
The greatest eclipse of the 21st century is just a few months away. As you all know India is at the center-stage for this eclipse. The importance of this eclipse is further enhanced by 2009 being the International Year of Astronomy. The furtherance of the commitment of India to space sciences and astronomy research is the prime mottobehind this workshop. In the ensuing year another Annular Solar Eclipse passesover southern part of India, around Kanya Kumari and Adam's Bridge on 15th January 2010. Preparations are well underway for experiments, equipmentlogistics and travel under the lunar shadow, in professional observatories and amateur astronomy circles. Those who haven't started planning, it's time to start now.
The next Total Solar Eclipse passes over India only on 20th March 2034!
This Solar Eclipse Workshop is an intensive three-day workshop. All aspects of a successful Solar Eclipse observation will be discussed. Participants will leave with a definite plan for their own eclipse observation. There will be discussions on planning experiments, instrumentation, travel and logistics, anything and everything related toeclipse watching. The aim of this workshop is 'Take-Home-an-Eclipse-Plan'. Weather you want to observe the eclipse, photographit, or show the eclipse to a large audience, all related aspects will be discussed to help you make definite plan. The workshop intends to bring together professional & amateur astronomers, Ecliptomaniacs, Umbraphiles and eclipse chasers to share their information, knowledge, and experience.
Its an accomplishment of ECa to bring together Eminent Eclipse Personalities from around the world. Speakers for the workshop include Famous Professional Eclipse Chasers from observatories in India and abroad.
* Prof. Jay Pasachoff, The famous eclipse chaser of 47 eclipses, Chairman, International Astronomical Union Working Group on Eclipses, Williams College (Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA), Visiting Faculty at California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, California, USA).
* Prof. Ashok Ambastha of Udaipur Solar Observatory is closely connected with eclipses. His research work on solar eclipses and planetary transits is well known. He plans to observe the July 2009 eclipse using a high altitude balloon or an aircraft!
* Mr. Jay Anderson, the famous meteorologist who’s weather statistics are referred by eclipse chasers all over the world. His is the first name thatcomes in any eclipse chaser's mind when planning for a site and its weatherconditions. He is the co-author, along with Mr. Fred Espenak, of all NASA eclipse bulletins.
* Dr. N. Rathnasree, Director Nehru Planetarium will be speaking on History of Eclipses and Transits. Dr.Rathnasree is an enthusiastic Professional-Amateur Astronomer and workstirelessly for promotion of amateur astronomy in India.
* Mr. Sheridan Williams, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Assistant Director of the Computing Section of the British Astronomical Association an Eclipse historian. Who has seen 12central eclipses and the Rocket Scientist! Author of “Total Solar Eclipse 2008 & 2009” a travel guide from Bradt.
* Mr. Xavier Jubier, the famous eclipse adventurer from France and a veteran of 10 eclipses. His interactive google maps and the eclipse calculator are famous and used by eclipse enthusiasts all over the world. His recent extreme adventure was viewing the Annular Solar Eclipse of2008 February 7 from 4,897 meter high Mount Vinson, Ellsworth Land, Antarctica.
* Dr. Satyendra Bhandari, is an avid eclipse chaser, EX-SAC-ISRO Scientist. For the August 2008 eclipse hetravelled to the arctic - Ny Alesund (Svalbard, Norway) to conduct his experiments.
* Dr. Krishnanand Sinha, a prominent solar astronomer, ARIES observatoryNainital.
* Prof. S.P. Bagare of Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, another eclipse chaser has shot wonderful shadow bands fromhis eclipse tour of the Antarctic.
* Dr. Dipankar Banerjee, an eminent and dedicated astrophysicist, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore.
The topics included in the workshop are - History of eclipses, Experiencing the rapid sequence ofevents during a Total Solar Eclipse, Future eclipse near India and theirplanning, Building instruments and resources for use, Charting weather patternsof places, Planning logistics for eclipse observation, Eclipse relatedsoftware, How to predict corona and Baily’s beads, Science and Experimentsduring eclipse, Automated Eclipse Photography plans, Public watches and eye safety.
Apart from lectures and presentation the workshopwill also havelive and hands-on equipmentdemonstrationsand usage for the maximum benefit of eclipseenthusiasts. In addition to it photographing the Sun live during the day willbe the highlight of the demonstrations.
Location: Solar Eclipse Workshop will be held at Shankar Lal Concert Hall, Delhi UniversityCampus. The campus grounds are a beautiful and prestigious fitting place tohold this workshop. The Concert Hall has a gardens all round to hold equipmentdemonstrations and observe the Sun. The auditorium is large enough to holdabout 350 participants.
Invitation is extended toall Amateur Astronomers, Planetarium Educators and Observatory Outreachpersons, Eclipse Chasers, Adventurers and Photographers. This is envisaged as a 'complete in all respects'workshop which will make you understand all aspects of eclipse planning, asuccessful observation and organizing a public watch. The workshop prepares youfor observing both the upcoming eclipses over India.
Registration is now open at www.eclipsechasers.org/sew/index.html/ Participation is limited to a total of 300 on a firstcome first serve basis. Please register yourself early to avoid disappointment.The last date for registration is 31st December 2008.
Web site :www.eclipsechasers.org/sew/index.html
Discussions :groups.yahoo.com/group/eclipsechasersathenaeum
[SPACE Group is a group of companies doing pioneer work in the field of astronomy and space science. It has ventured into astronomy and space sciences products, services, software and educational material. It is the first company to develop and implement astronomy and space science modules and activities in the schools all over India. Space caters to various market segments including Corporate, Educational Institutes, Universities and Individuals. The philanthropic wing of the group known as Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE) is one of the most active agencies popularising astronomy and space science among the masses.
To know more please visit: www. spacegroupindia.org, www.space-india.org, www.stepl.org]
Source: www.indiaprwire.com
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