Eclipse Freaks's topics - tribe.net

2010 Honu Eclipse Festival - Easter Island (July 7-13)

2010-02-07T03:46:56Z

The website was updated today. Registration / Ticket Sales is now open.

http://www.honueclipse.org/home/

Best wishes to everyone for their journey. See you there. :)

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 6 replies

Amami Oshima Eclipse Festival

2009-08-17T19:26:37Z

I'm planning on going to Amami Oshima for the eclipse on 22 July 2009. I had previously considered Shanghai as the shadow time is a bit longer but I generally follow the party for eclipses, as I'm no astronomer and prefer a good atmosphere to perfect viewing conditions or maximum shadow. So Japan it is for me.

I was in Ghana for 29 Mar 2006 and was the first person in Africa to see the shadow from atop a lighthouse but went to the festival in Lusaka, Zambia in June 2001. Before that I was at The Lizard Festival in Cornwall, UK.

There is not much on the Japan festival website yet and the couple pages that exist are in Japanese. I translated them and no info as such.
http://www.totalsolareclipsefestival.jp

You can get to the island from Kagoshima, on the mainland, either by ferry (10 hours) or by plane (55 mins).

There is also a festival in Kyoto (Gion Matsuri) culminating in a parade on 17 July 2009 which looks like a dream to photograph.
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Gion+Matsuri

And there is always Gunkanjima as a little excursion afterwards although I've just learnt that by summer 2009 it will probably be a tourist spot for the many rather than some fun for the hardcore few.
http://www.gunkanjima.com
http://www.makingplaces.org

Anyone want to meet up before the festival? Go clubbing in Tokyo, Fugo in Kyoto or any other Nippon adventures?

Loving the sound of drumming in anticipation of the shadow,

Roamer

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 18 replies

who's excited?

2009-07-18T08:50:55Z

WHEEEEEE!!!!

leaving for china in 9 hours.

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 0 replies

2009 eclipse in china

2009-07-17T14:10:51Z

so there's a total eclipse of the sun in 2009 on july 22nd in china. it's going to go through shanghai and across the middle of the country. unfortunately july is rainy season so chances of it being visible are not that great.

any china travellers in here?

any recommendations on best visibility options in july in central china? any great spots to see it? best to stay toward the coast or head inland in terms of visibility?

here's a map

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009fig/TSE2009-fig14.pdf
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009fig/TSE2009-fig13.pdf
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009fig/TSE2009-fig12.pdf
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009fig/TSE2009-fig11.pdf

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 4 replies

2009 eclipse festivals in India? ...Nepal? ...China? Or the cruise ships around Japan?

2009-04-22T09:19:35Z

Yes, the cloud cover is a concern, but there are still rumours of festivals being organised in Darjeeling or Vanasse Valley? Anyone know anything concrete...? ...even of a gathering in Nepal or China for the eclipse?

And then of course there is talk of cruise ship psy events around the Amani islands? Anyone know anything more than just whisperings on a grapevine?

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 5 replies

First Solar Eclipse Recorded From Moon

2009-02-27T19:41:33Z

"For the first time ever, we have witnessed a solar eclipse from the moon. On 10 February 2009 Japan's Kaguya lunar orbiter captured the sight of the Earth eclipsing the sun. The spacecraft also recorded this video showing the Earth surrounded by a glowing ring and briefly forming the classic diamond ring that often occurs during a solar eclipse, as seen from down here on Earth."

http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/02/20090218_kaguya_e.html

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 1 reply

Asia-Pacific 2009 eclipse

2008-12-23T21:18:11Z

Hi all (seven) of you. It's nice to find a tribe for eclipse freaks. I just got back from seeing the one in Turkey (i also spent another 2+ weeks exploring Turkey afterwards). That was my 6th total eclipse.

It's never too early to plan. I've been looking over places to observe the 2009 eclipse and the strongest contenders are some of the Okinawa prefect islands south of Japan, and eastern China. Anyone else thinking this far ahead?

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 16 replies

Flights to Amami

2008-10-13T17:05:47Z

Up until last week, I was unable to try to book flights to Amami online at any of the vendors I usually purchase tickets with (because it was too far in advance). This week, I'm able to put in the flight dates that I want but no flights are found on any searches.

Is anyone else seeing this? I'm wondering if it's still too early (and none of the online booking sites are saying this), or if flights are sold out?

Anyone managed to book a flight to Amami yet?

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 3 replies

Expedition to Kanokawa Beach - after the eclipse

2008-10-06T15:13:13Z

After the eclipse, I am organizing an informal expedition to camp at Kanokawa beach on the remote southwest coast of Iriomote island.

It is a legendary beach in the Japanese backpacker circuit. Slightly difficult to get to, but spoken of in superlatives by all who have been there.

the basic plan:
After the eclipse, I am taking the ferry from Amami-Oshima to Naha, and then flying from Naha to Ishigaki island. Then taking the short ferry from Ishigaki to Iriomote island, and making the pathless overland route through the sea bays and mangroves + jungles to Kanokawa beach.

If you are interested in going on a backcountry expedition to camp at a pristine beach with spectacular live corals, fresh water sources and great fishing - and you've got some stamina and outdoor skills...

drop me a line!

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 2 replies

Snorkeling at Amami-Oshima

2008-10-01T23:49:34Z

After reading up on Amami island, it looks like it is a fairly pristine Japanese wilderness. Not very touristy.

After looking at the coastline on the northern end of the island, it looks like there is plenty of good snorkeling also.

You can't always tell the condition of the coral from satellite, but it looks like a good chance there is some very nice
snorkeling.

Check the photo album for details.

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 0 replies

Tokara Islands Eclipse Tour - Updated Information

2008-09-21T19:14:57Z

If you want to visit the Tokara Islands as part of a package tour with Kinki Nippon Tourism, and you have about $4,000 for the fees, here are some official details and justifications for the cost that a representative sent me:

---------------------

"Please be aware that for about a week the islands population will triple. That is worst than the snowbirds that visit Arizona during the winter. The Island will not have enough electricity, water, control of sewage, garbage, etc.
Besides the costs for accommodating the observer’s basic needs, the costs include the infrastructure of the island itself to accommodate the expanded population.

The observers costs include:

Round trip ferry transporation to the islands from Kagoshima or Amami Oshima.
Accmmodations
1. Minshuku (Bed and breakfast inns)
2. Gymnasium (Mats, sleeping bags, exclusive screens to terminate bugs, fans to circulate the air)
3. Tents (Mats, sleeping bags, lanterns)
Meals - 3 a day
Water - 2 or 3 500ml bottled water
Temporary Toilet facilities
Temporaty shower facilities (only on islands which apply)
and more.

These details will be released in a few weeks.

Please understand that we are not trying to take advantage, and we will not request observers to bring their own tents.

But, please understand that further detailed information may not be provided until the applications begin.
This information will be provided at the official site for the Tokara Eclipse Tour at www.knt.co.jp/eclipse/index_e.html

Sincerely,

Online Booking Management
K. Terauchi

Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd. 　Global Business Management Branch
Solar Eclipse Tour e-mail : solareclipse-gbm@or.knt.co.jp

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 0 replies

Eclipse Viewing Info for Tokara Islands, Japan

2008-09-21T19:06:19Z

Kinki Nippon Tourism is only opening these islands up to 150 foreigners (!) and is taking advantage of the limited supply and high demand to charge $3,000 - $4,000 for a ferry ticket and bring-your-own-tent camping (normally about $90).

I got this from a government office in southern Kyushu, Japan:
-------

NOTICE/ REQUEST CONCERNING THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE OVER TOKARA

The longest recorded total solar eclipse of this century will be observable from the Tokara Islands on July 22, 2009 for a duration of about 6 minutes. This event is attracting worldwide attention and we have received many questions concerning the observation of this total solar eclipse from the Tokara Islands.

However, the only transportation to the outlying islands that form Toshima Village is a village ferry that runs twice a week. Furthermore, there is a very limited number of lodging places (guest houses) and virtually no restaurants or other stores to provide food on most of the islands. Water and electricity supplies are only sufficient enough to meet the demands of local residents.

Toshima Village would very much like to give people a chance to observe the total solar eclipse but, due to the various factors noted above, it would be very difficult to have a large number of people visit the islands all at once.

For this reason, we have established the following basic policies in regards to the acceptance of total solar eclipse observers to Toshima Village and are now making the necessary preparations.

We would ask for your understanding and support in this matter.

(1) General Rules

1) Observing Social Etiquette
There are some 650 people living on 7 small islands. Any kind of disturbance arising from the large number of visitors that may cause complications for these local residents is to be strictly avoided.

2) Protecting the Environment
There remains much unspoiled nature on the islands. We consider this nature to be a treasure of Toshima Village that must be protected.

3) Ensuring the Safety of Visitors
It is assumed that most total solar eclipse observers will be visiting Toshima Village for the first time. We would like to ensure that all visitors have a safe stay during their time on the islands.
4) Basic necessities required for staying on the islands (tent, water, food, etc) are the sole responsibility of the visiting observer.
The costs required to provide visitors with basic necessities would be enormous. Therefore we ask that visitors bear the cost of all necessities.

(2) Number of Observers to Toshima Village
Our current assessment for the estimated maximum possible number of observers is in the range of 1300 people. This figure may pale in comparison to the number of people who want to come and observe the total solar eclipse but, taking into consideration all of the factors mentioned above, this figure is actually quite high.

(3) Accepting Observers
In order to help accomplish the task of accepting observers, it was determined that the support of an experienced travel agency would be necessary. Subsequently, we concluded a consignment agreement with Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd. (KNT) after they won the privilege in a planning competition sponsored by Toshima Village.
We would ask that hopeful observers apply via the KNT travel agency. The application period will begin in May of this year. In order to fairly accommodate the large number of applicants, we plan to split the application period into several segments and then use a lottery system to decide who will go.
Information concerning the application period will be posted on both the Toshima Village website and the KNT travel agency web site.

(4) Things to be Aware of…

1) Typhoons
Typically, the end of July marks typhoon season and the end of the rainy season. Along with typhoons, surging waves and other related weather conditions occasionally make travel by ship impossible. Even were a ship to strike out, there is no guarantee that it would be able to berth. Please understand that boarding a ship during such weather will not necessarily guarantee you access to the islands.

2) Period of Stay
There is one village ferry and 3 small high speed boats (30 person capacity) that provide transportation to the islands. The Toshima Ferry acts as the sole lifeline of the local residents so there will be provisional arrangements made so as to create a service schedule that does not interfere with the lives of local residents. Transport to and from Toshima Village is obviously very limited so please be prepared to stay as much as one whole week depending on the situation.

3) Necessities During Your Stay
Due to the limited number of guest houses, most visitors will need to use tents and temporary toilets. The Islands belong to the volcanic zone and experience 30° plus heat in the last part of July. We plan to set up temporary showers, but be warned that there is not an abundance of water and you may be subjected to severe heat during your stay.
Please take care to avoid the poisonous “Habu” snakes (pit vipers) that inhabit a portion of the islands.

4) Garbage
As a general rule, we would ask that visitors carry their garbage home with them since garbage disposal facilities on the islands are very limited. If possible, try to avoid bringing items that will end up becoming garbage.

5) Water
There is only enough running water to cover the consumption needs of the local residents. We will make the necessary preparations to provide bottled water and ensure water for the temporary showers, but please expect usage to be limited. We are also considering limiting the usage of soap in order to protect the environment.

6) Food
We are considering entrusting the provision of meals to non-local vendors due to the scarcity of restaurants and vendors of pre-cooked food on the islands (guest houses do provide meals). Food items and ingredients brought in from other parts may be cooked at certain facilities like the local community center, etc. Taking into account the constraints of cost, transport, and volume, pre-cooked packaged foods will be the standard.

7) Entry to the Islands
Placing responsibility of the individual at the core of our policies, we will make the necessary preparations in order to accommodate and sustain up to 1300 visitors to the islands. Exceeding this number will cause complications.
If you wish to observe the total solar eclipse from Toshima Village, please apply via the KNT travel agency. Please refrain from visiting the island using other methods (private boat, etc.)
We ask for your understanding in this matter in order to ensure the safety of visitors and in order to protect the environment of the local residents.

8) Medical Care
There is no well-equipped hospital on the islands. However, there are countryside infirmaries normally staffed by a single nurse. We do plan to arrange for the services of a doctor during the total solar eclipse observation period, but visitors should take care to avoid getting heat stroke during their stay on the islands. Please take all the necessary health precautions.

9) Other
All other relevant information will be provided during the application period.

(5) Please address any questions to the following:

 Information relating to Toshima Village
Coordinators(2): Torigoe/ Higo
Regional Promotion Section, Economic Affairs Division, Toshimamura Village Office
15-14 Izumi-Cho, Kagoshima City 892-0822
Tel: 099-222-2101
Fax:099-223-6720
e-mail: tokaratiiki@tokara.jp

 Applications for Solar Eclipse Observation
Coordinators(3): Maki/ Kasahara/ Tsuchiya
Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd. Tokyo Travel Branch
Solar Eclipse Tour e-mail address: tss16@or.knt.co.jp
Fax: 03-6658-1022

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 18 replies

What The Earth Looks Like During a Solar Eclipse

2008-09-21T17:41:10Z

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040926.html

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 1 reply

Excellent online eclipse information resource

2008-09-17T17:44:58Z

For those not familiar with Xavier Jubier, here's a link to his site (specifically the section regarding the 2009 total eclipse):

http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_20090722_pg01.html

Excellent information. I've found his google maps to be particularly useful so be sure to check out the link called: Page "Google Map".

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 0 replies

i've heard the party is sold out....?

2008-08-25T18:46:55Z

is it true that the party in japan is sold out already?

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 11 replies

not that freakish, but very cool

2008-08-22T05:56:17Z

Wish I could have tagged along - traveling to Antarctica for an eclipse is dedication - check out these pics:

Google Map of totality:
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/ASE_2008_GoogleMapFull.html

Details of the trip:
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/ASE_20080207_pg01.html

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 2 replies

2008 total solar eclipse, August 1st

2008-08-22T04:47:17Z

Nasa info:
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2008/TSE2008.html

Khan Altay Planet Art Festival (July 25th - August 2nd, Siberia Russia)
Hosted by Space of Joy Community:
http://www.khanaltay.org/wp/index_en.html

I started a facebook group for general discussion of the Khan Altay festival here:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17662503274

Anyone with Russia travel and visa questions feel free to fire them at me, I've been through all the hoops already.

See you there! :))

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 5 replies

Mean Cloudiness - July 2009 Eclipse Weather Map (NASA)

2008-08-11T17:42:47Z

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009iau/TSE2009-fig06.GIF

This map suggests that the India and Nepal areas are cloudy 60 to 80 % of the days in July...

and the areas in China and the Japanese Islands are cloudy 50 to 60% of the days.

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 1 reply

2009 psytrance eclipse festival in Japan

2008-06-20T19:06:21Z

From what I can gather Japan's psytrance Eclipse Festival is on Amani Island. The English section of the website is "coming soon". Anyone can translate the highlights from Japanese?
http://www.totalsolareclipsefestival.jp/

The northern part of the Island has maximum totality of 3 minutes and it gets shorter as you go south. Conditions at island's airport:
Lat.: 28.4325° N
Long.: 129.7036° E
Duration of Totality: 2m57.4s
Magnitude: 1.004
Start of partial eclipse: 00:35:43.1 UT
Start of total eclipse: 01:55:51.4 UT
Maximum eclipse 01:57:19.9 UT
End of total eclipse: 01:58:48.9 UT
End of partial eclipse: 03:22:51.9 UT
(Info above from http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2009Jul22Tgoogle.html )

Additional resources:
http://forum.isratrance.com/solar-eclipse-2009/53-102718/

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 0 replies

so where is the party for this very important event of 2009

2008-01-05T21:26:56Z

i really would like to help make it happen i know like 10-20 people that would go japan or wherever

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 0 replies

Outback Eclipse Festival Australia

2006-09-17T05:28:02Z

amazing experience!
if u dont know the DVD ! get it!

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 0 replies

3 and a half minutes!

2006-04-11T13:06:24Z

UNBELIEVABLE! I am in grad school now and can't make it - but I envy the experience. 3 and a half minuite of eclispe hallucinations!!! And a psychedelic party lineup to end all parties.

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 2 replies

turkey

2005-12-16T11:56:26Z

sooooo excited!

posted in Eclipse Freaks - 6 replies