Rare astronomical opportunity offered

Fifty Chinese amateur astronomers wanting to see the total solar eclipse later this year are being given the chance to travel to Australia to witness the two-minute phenomenon with Shanghai Astronomical Observatory officers, in the first overseas invitation made to outsiders of the city's 50-year-old observatory.

The observatory's Sheshan station said that the trip is being extended to amateur astronomers to encourage greater enthusiasm for astronomical wonders and allow more people the opportunity of a lifetime. Interested applicants are asked to submit proposals directly to the observatory, said Tang Haiming, director of science education for Sheshan station, which is spearheading the efforts.

The total solar eclipse, predicted to start November 14 at 6:39 am (AEST) and end approximately two minutes later, will only be visible from northern Australia and the Pacific Islands - including Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region, where the group will travel - an astronomical beauty that was last witnessed from Shanghai in 2009, and one that local residents will not see in their city again until 2309.

"It's a big event for astronomy lovers," Tang told the Global Times Monday. "While we're not yet sure how weather conditions will affect the observation, it's a phenomenon that's sure to bring out stargazers from around the world."

The nine-day trip will run selected amateur astronomers between 20,000 yuan ($3,180) and 30,000 yuan, a fee that covers flights and accommodations as well as travel to key sites, including Ayers Rock, which boasts a spectacular view of the Australian night sky, said Tang. He added that workshop salons will also be organized for amateurs to learn more about the work of the observatory.

The trip follows success seen with similar ones organized for amateur astronomers, including Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region's 2008 total solar eclipse, and the annular solar eclipse viewed from Yunnan Province in 2010.

Local residents without plans to venture out over the next several months, however, can still get their eyes on a couple of astronomical awes as the city will be viewing grounds for a partial solar eclipse on May 21, and a partial lunar eclipse on June 4.