China 2009 Total Solar Eclipse

The longest eclipse of the 21st century and the world's largest tidal bore

Welcome to our China Total Solar Eclipse 2009 programme. For those wanting to experience a total solar eclipse, a rare and spectacular natural event at any time, 2009 is particularly special as it will mark the longest eclipse of the 21st century at 6 minutes and 39 seconds. Our observation point should give us a little under 6 minutes of totality. Nobody alive in the world today will see such an event again in their lifetime, with the next eclipse to exceed this duration in 123 years time.

For those joining us, on Wednesday 22 July, 2009, the total eclipse of the Sun will be visible as it traverses from India through China and on into the Pacific. Our eclipse observation point will be in or near the historic city of Hangzhou southwest of Shanghai with the exact position of our observation site dependent on the weather prospects at the time. We also are delighted to confirm that we will be joined once again by acclaimed astronomer, Dr. John Mason.

Qiantang Tidal Bore

The eclipse will be followed by a second rare event for us to witness, the Qiantang tidal bore. The Qiantang River which runs through Hangzhou has the world's largest bore at 9 metres (30ft) high and travelling at 40km per hour, and is one of only four rivers in Asia to demonstrate this phenomenon.