Solar Eclipse Observed from Armagh

Astronomers at Armagh Observatory observed the partial eclipse of the Sun on 29 March under unusually good conditions. The solar eclipse, which is caused by the Moon passing in front of the Sun as seen from Earth, lasted from approximately 10:50 to 12:10, and reached a maximum as seen from Armagh in which approximately 10% of the Sun was obscured.

The images, taken by astronomer Miruna Popescu, shows the eclipse as seen from the Armagh Observatory at around 11:30 (Summer Time) on 29th March, and the way it was observed by astronomer Apostolos Christou with a small portable telescope equipped with a filter to protect against the Sun's dangerous radiation. The eclipse was also safely viewed through specially designed "eclipse glasses".

Other parts of the world were more fortunate in seeing a greater fraction of the Sun eclipsed. On a narrow eclipse path, stretching from Brazil to Asia, the Sun's elusive outer atmosphere or solar corona could be seen during the few short minutes of totality. More than 160 amateur astronomers travelled from Northern Ireland to Turkey to see this rare event. The only part of the European Union from which totality was visible was the small island of Kastellorizo, in Greece.

Partial solar eclipses are potentially visible from Armagh on the average every few years. However, on the last occasion, 3rd October 2005, it was cloudy. The next one will not be visible until 1st August 2008.

For more images from Armagh see: Miruna Popescu's Pages

 

Images of the total eclipse as seen in Turkey taken by John Butler

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Miruna Popescu at the Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh, BT61 9DG. Tel.: 028-3752-2928; FAX: 028-3752-7174; mdparm.ac.uk;

Last Revised: 2006 April 5th WWW contact:webmaster@arm.ac.uk

Go to HOME Page