Date:
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Title:
Once in a lfe time...
About Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth so that the Sun is fully or partially covered. This can only happen during a new moon, when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction as seen from the Earth. At least two and up to five solar eclipses can occur each year on Earth, with between zero and two of them being total eclipses.[1] Total solar eclipses are nevertheless rare at any location because during each eclipse totality exists only along a narrow corridor in the relatively tiny area of the Moon's umbra.
A total solar eclipse is a spectacular natural phenomenon and many people travel to remote locations to observe one. The 1999 total eclipse in Europe helped to increase public awareness of the phenomenon, as illustrated by the number of journeys made specifically to witness the 2005 annular eclipse and the 2006 total eclipse. The recent solar eclipse of January 26, 2009 was an annular eclipse, while the solar eclipse of July 22, 2009 was a total solar eclipse.
In ancient times, and in some cultures today, solar eclipses have been attributed to supernatural causes. Total solar eclipses can be frightening for people who are unaware of their astronomical explanation, as the Sun seems to disappear in the middle of the day and the sky darkens in a matter of minutes.
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The July 22, 2009 which is today, Total Solar Eclipse in China is the longest total solar eclipse in our lifetime, and the second longest in recorded history, next only to the June 20, 1955 eclipse in Manila. Totality will last 5 min 8.6 sec in Shanghai and 5 min 27.8 sec in Wuhan. In 1955 totality was 6 min 1.0 sec in Manila and 7 min 6.3 sec in San Pablo, Laguna. The 2009 eclipse will not be surpassed in duration until June 13, 2132.
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Coincidently, my second sister birthday fall on the same day. It is a rare opportunities.
Jie~ enjoy yourself!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Loves ya
