Five Total Solar Eclipses coming to Australia

Presenter(s): Terry Cuttle

Affiliation(s): Astronomical Association of Queensland

Session details: Saturday, 2022-04-23 01:45:00, ONL

Abstract

This presentation will discuss the unique occurrence of the five total solar eclipses that will occur across Australia in the coming period of just 18 years. A Total Solar Eclipse is arguably nature’s most astounding spectacle which everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime, and all Australians will have excellent opportunities to do that with these eclipses. The presentation will cover each of the five eclipses, and describe their paths across the country and circumstances (time and duration) at key towns and localities, as well as access to observing locations and weather prospects. There will be particular focus on the first two of these eclipses: the April 2023 Western Australia eclipse, and the “big one:” the July 2028 eclipse right across the country from Western Australia’s Kimberley region through to Sydney. These dramatic events will also present a unique opportunity for school and public education to stimulate interest in science and astronomy. Photography of solar eclipses and safe solar observing will also be covered.

Biography

Terry Cuttle is a retired engineer, and is known in the amateur astronomy community as an eclipse enthusiast and astro-photographer and has given many presentations on these subjects. He has travelled to, observed and photographed 17 total solar eclipses. He has been active in community education on eclipses, specifically involved in preparing detailed school education material and public safe viewing advice for the 2012 Queensland eclipse, and more recently assisting the American Astronomical Society to prepare the American community for the 2017 USA eclipse. Terry has made significant contributions to Queensland astronomical societies being a past president of both AAQ and SEQAS. Terry is a current member of the International Astronomical Union’s Working Group on Solar Eclipses which involves assisting with public eclipse education and providing advice on safe viewing of solar eclipses.