The Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Irkutsk, Russia) invites solar physicists and astronomy amateurs to observe the total solar eclipse under good seeing conditions of early Siberian spring.
All required information about the eclipse (as an astronomical phenomenon) circumstances to compile any observing program, is published in:
Since the solar eclipse phenomenon is in progress for a few minutes only, a successful carrying out of the observations requires knowing the weather conditions precisely at the time of the eclipse. According to generally accepted estimates, currently in Siberia the predictability in advance time of 24 hours makes up 80-85%. This means that the predicted probability of carrying out of solar observations at the time of the eclipse will be known to us only 24 hours in advance. This constraints greatly the time for preparatory work, whereas when solving some problems the installation of equipment requires much more time. Consequently, the decision as to where the observations should be done, must be taken ahead of time. That is the reason that it is advisable to make a contact with Irkutsk group - people who analyze meteorological data of many years, estimate the best observing sites and deal with remote-sensing satellite data of the totality region.
The investigation showed that the best seeing conditions for the observations will be in the Chita Region, the latitude is within 52-53° and the longitude 116-119°.
While certain weather conditions are crucial for the carrying out the observations, for a successful preparation for them it is important to know climate and comfort conditions at the site. Despite the fact that March is the first spring month, under conditions of East Siberia its first ten-day period does not actually differ from winter. The approach of spring here is expressed by the incipient decay of the Siberian anticyclone causing a weather instability (weakening of frosts and increase in cloudiness). According to the criterion of comfort, i.e., appropriate temperature and wind regime, the best sites were selected. All they are in the Chita Region, not far from the Transsiberian Railway. The latitude range is 49-52° and the longitude range is 112-114°.
Satellite images of the area that includes the path of totality, obtained on the 1996 March 5-11, i.e., about one year before the eclipse, showed predominantly clear sky in the Chita Region. It gives the hope, that the future observations will be successful.
The Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics is to be the scientific advising body, while the Joint Stock Company "Irkutsk- Baikal-Intourist" will be responsible for solving the relevant accomodation and transport problems that the foreign observers can meet with.
The addresses are:
Dr. V.M.Grigoryev
Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Siberian Division of the
Russian Academy of Sciences
Irkutsk-33 P.O.Box 4026
664033 Russian Federation
E-mail: root@sitmis.irkutsk.su
JSC "Irkutsk-Baikal-Intourist"
44, Gagarin Blvd., Irkutsk, Av.Mir, Moscow, RUSSIA
664055 Russian Federation Hotel COSMOS, offices 422,423
Tel:(3952)290-270, 290-269 Tel: (095) 217-0422, 217-0423
Telex: 231716 TURNE RU Fax (095) 215-9580
Fax (3952) 277-872, 290-314
9705, Sand Point Way, NE,
Seattle,WA 98115, USA
Tel: (206) 522-5995
Fax: (206) 522-6295