by Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard
Join a truly historical plane ride. Daytime on August 1st we will for
the first time since 1954 experience a total solar eclipse on
Norwegian territory. This is the most spectacular of all phenomenons
in the sky and an extraordinary experience.
The total eclipse in Turkey on March 29th 2006 was magnificent. This years total eclipse might be even more spectacular with the flight above the Arctic.
Photo: Tom Victor Kolkin / astronomi.no
he eclipse is total above Kvitøya near Svalbard and you can now
experience this historical happening by joining a plane ride which
takes us non-stop from Gardermoen to the Arctic Ocean north-west of
Kvitøya and along the central line towards east during the
totality. The plane will be far above the low foggy clouds which
always cover this area during the summer and we will experience the
sky becoming dark, the brightest stars and planets becoming visible
and the spectacular solar corona appear. The corona, with its
ghost-like, silver blue color, will extend far outside the darkened
solar disk.
When the totality begins and ends, the Sun will shine between the
mountains of the Moon and create an impressing and famous diamond
ring-effect.
Many people travel world-wide to experience a total solar
eclipse. This time Norway gets to experience it, and this plane ride
is in reality the only way of seeing the eclipse on the spot. Another
plane will send real-time photos to Frognerparken in Oslo and other
places, but as a passenger on the plane you will personally experience
one of Nature's most spectacular and special phenomenons - on
Norwegian territory.
on the totality line where the totality lasts for 2 minutes 14
seconds. The shadow of the Moon will move over the ground with a speed
of 3600 km/hr, but due to the speed of the plane the totality will be
extended with 31 seconds and therefore last approximately 2 minutes 45
seconds.
As an additional bonus we'll be far enough to the north to check out
the ice situation - last summer was the year with the least amount of
snow in the Arctic on record. Will this tendency continue?
A total solar eclipse has previously hardly been observed from a
plane.
The planned air route over the Arctic during the total eclipse.
OFFER
The plane (a 737-700 machine from SAS) will move east-southeast while
the Sun is on the right, 27 degrees above the horizon. On account of
limitations on visibility and restrictions on weight due to the long
plane ride only a limited number of the seats can be occupied. The
right window seats (Seat "F" on each row) will have the best
view. From both the center seat and the aisle seat on this side the
eclipse can be experienced if one leans toward the window. From the
window seat on the opposite side the corona encircling the obscured
Sun will not be visible, but one can experience that the sky and the
ground darkens and the strange light during the darkening will be seen
in all directions of the horizon.
Prices:
Window seat, right side (Seat "F") NOK 7450,-
Center seat, right side (Seat "E") NOK 5474,-
Aisle seat, right side (Seat "D") NOK 4450,-
Window seat, left side (Seat "A") NOK 4450,-
The prices include all fees and refreshments.
The time of the plane ride is estimated to be 6 hours 55 minutes.
The trip is on August 1st 2008. We will depart from Gardermoen around
8 am and return to Gardermoen around 3 pm. More details will follow.
ll participants will be given a certificate showing they have
participated on this historical expedition.
SIGN UP
The trip is booked on a first come, first served basis. However, there
will be a waiting list in case an additional plane can be arranged. If
a category is full, a seat in the next price category will be offered,
and the price difference will be refunded or required to be paid
A reservation is confirmed by paying to account number 2030 21 12593.
Arctic eclipse flight
Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics
University of Oslo
PO. Box 1029 Blindern
NO-0315 Oslo
Norway
Att: Knut Joergen Roed Oedegaard
Swift: SPTRNO22
Iban: NO84 2030 21 12 593
It's important to make the reservations quickly since the offer is for
a limited time only. Please make one payment per passenger and inform
which category of seat which is preferred (Seat A, D, E or F). If the
trip should be cancelled, the money will be refunded as soon as
possible.
Please state exact names, address, phone number and preferably email
address. As soon as the payment is registered this will be confirmed
by email or text message.
MAIN PAGE ABOUT THE ECLIPSE
CONTACT ABOUT THE ECLIPSE
