Grey nomads across the country – particularly those in Exmouth in WA – are excitedly getting ready to witness a very rare and spectacular event in a few hours … a solar eclipse.
The best place on earth to be at the moment the sun, moon and earth perfectly align will be on WA’s Coral Coast … and some 20,000 people have reportedly arrived in Exmouth for the event.
An observation platform has been erected, and special solar eclipse glasses will be handed out to eclipse gazers.
9News reports that, in Exmouth, the partial eclipse will start at 10:04 AM (AWST) with totality – when the sun is blocked by the moon – beginning around 11:29am. Totality will last for 58 seconds.
The prospect of witnessing a total solar eclipse has brought tourists to Exmouth. PIC: PIxabay
Elsewhere, a total eclipse won’t be achieved. Below the times (in relevant local time) that the partial eclipse will begin: Perth. 10am; Darwin, 12:17pm; Adelaide, 12:30pm; Melbourne, 1:15pm; Hobart, 1:24pm; Canberra, 1:29 pm; Sydney, 1:36pm; Brisbane, 1:43pm.
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki told 9News that Australian’s were ‘lucky’ to witness the event.
“It is actually a hybrid eclipse so, for part of the eclipse, it will be a total eclipse … for part of it will be a ring depending where you are,” he said. “It is lovely to see the fingernail moon, the universe is giving us something for free. We are lucky.”
Dr Kruszelnicki said that staring directly at the sun is not recommended as even a brief glimpse can cause eye damage.
“If you can see any of the actual sun surface, turn away,” he told 9News. “Do not look at it with the naked eye.”
The total eclipse today is one of two eclipses to occur in 2023, but it’s the only one to be visible in Australia.
9News reports that the next total solar eclipse to be observed in Australia will be on July 22, 2028, which will cross from the Kimberley to Sydney. The last total solar eclipse occurred in 2012 and plunged Cairns into darkness, while WA’s last total solar eclipse was in 1974.
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I am in Exmouth. Having a great time as part of the TSE volunteer crew checking in visitors to the Shire camp ground.