Total Solar Eclipse in China
California Academy of Sciences, Smith College, Wellesley College, Friends of the Observatory (FOTO), Colgate University
Longest eclipse of our lifetime!
Land Program Cost: $3,895
July 15 - July 24, 2009
With a Yangtze River Post-trip Extension, July 24-28, 2009
This trip took place in July 2009. Please check our listings for future Eclipse programs.
What to Expect
On July 22, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., the longest Total Solar Eclipse in over a century will occur, lasting for an astounding six minutes.
We view the eclipse from a location about one hour outside of Shanghai. The sky will slowly dim and the air will gradually cool as a thrill of anticipation runs through our group. All eyes, protected by special filters, will be riveted on the sun. This is the moment we’ve been waiting to see - the moment when the sun disappears behind the moon, the moment of totality. For nearly six minutes the Earth and the sky will darken as the moon’s shadow touches us. Stars and planets will become visible as we observe one of nature’s most awesome spectacles, a Total Solar Eclipse.
Photo Gallery
![]() Eclipse path over China |
![]() Panorama of Shanghai |
![]() Yangtze River cruise ships |
![]() The Bund, Shanghai |





