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The SOCIETY for POPULAR ASTRONOMY
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Special Electronic News
Bulletin 2005 September 28
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PARTIAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN 3 October
By Robin Scagell
Don't forget to view Monday's partial eclipse of the Sun. This is the
largest partial eclipse that will be visible from the UK until 2011. You
can read all about it on the SPA website at
http://popastro.c.topica.com/maad2DZabkI7Ca97J65b/
Most people will probably view the eclipse from their home or workplace,
but if you are in central London do come along to Speakers' Corner in
Hyde Park (nearest tube Marble Arch). Everyone is welcome between
8.48 am, when the eclipse begins, till 11.18 am, when it ends. Mid eclipse
occurs at 10.01 am, when the Moon will cover about 57% of the Sun's
disc (all times BST). A range of small telescopes and solar viewers will be
provided by the Widescreen Centre and members of the SPA will be on
hand to explain what is going on.
This partial eclipse is the largest solar eclipse visible from the
capital until 2011. There will be another partial eclipse in March next
year, but the Moon will only cover about 25% of the Sun on that
occasion. A similar event occurs in 2008, then in 2011 the Sun will rise
75% eclipsed.
Next Monday, the Moon's shadow crosses Spain and North Africa, and
from the UK we only see a partial eclipse. But as seen from Madrid, the
Moon crosses directly in front of the Sun. However, unlike at a total
eclipse when the Moon appears larger than the Sun, on this occasion the
Moon will be slightly smaller than the Sun. The Sun will be a ring of light
in the sky -- an annular eclipse. Many UK amateur astronomers are
travelling to Spain or North Africa to witness the event. But for the
stay-at-homes, the Hyde Park session will be the opportunity to see the
Sun appearing as a crescent in the sky.