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.