FAQs for eclipse web site
Q. Where is the best place to view the eclipse?
A. The total solar eclipse will be visible in a 200km band across the Far North of Australia. Within this band the choice of viewing location depends on several personal choices.
Q. How long do you want it to be dark for?
The length of total darkness will vary from just over 2mins to about 10 sec as you move away from the centre line.
Q. How far can you travel and what level of comfort do you expect?
If you are staying in a hotel in the Cairns region or if you want to be near all the faciaites you will be able to see the eclipse from anywhere that has a view of the sky from 10 -15 degrees above the horizon. If you enjoy camping and less comfort and have all your own facilities there are many spots across the Tablelands and beyond that will afford a good view.
Q. What risk of cloud cover can you tolerate?
There will be total darkness everywhere within the shadow area – the clarity with which you wil see the outlines of the sun and the moon MAY be affected by cloud cover. This is hard to predict and if there is a lot of cloud it will effect everywhere on the coast and the nearby ranges. Cloud cover is less likely further from the coast but a clear sky cannot be guaranteed anywhere.
Q. How long will the Total Eclipse last?
The length of darkness will depend on the distance from the Centre line Locations from Port Douglas to the South side of Cairns will experience totality for approximately 2 minutes while Innisfail will and Bloomfield only have 20 seconds of darkness
Q. Is it safe to look at the Eclipse?
A. It is hazardous to look at the sun at any time without suitable protection . Safe Solar filters, that meet international standards can be used to view the sun as the moon moves across it. It is not safe to use anything else including stacked sunglasses, exposed film or other similar items
Q. What is a total solar eclipse?
A. An eclipse of the sun occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun. The sun is much larger than the moon but it is also much further away, such that the two bodies appear to be about the same size in the sky During a total solar eclipse the moon moves in front of the sunand completely blocks it This casts a shadow in the earth’s surface
Q. Can I just set up a camp wherever I like?
A. Designated camping sites will be clearly marked. You might like to check with the local councils for camping regulations. www.cairns.qld.gov.au ww.trc.qld.gov.au www.cook.qld.gov.au Be aware that the tropical environment has particular hazards and that you should carry plenty of water and be conscious of native insects and animals. There are a lot of accommodation providers within the and close to the path of the shadow. Check out
http://www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au/
http://www.tablelands.org/
http://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/
Q. How do I find accommodation and other activities to do while I am in the area?
A. Tropical North Queensland has lots to do see and do and a range of alternative accommodation. Visitor information Centres are strategically situated throughout the region and there is a lot of information available on the internet and through booking desks. You might like to start with
http://www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au/
http://www.tablelands.org/
http://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/