TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE SECONDARY SITE
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The biggest uncertainty about solar eclipses is the weather. What will the weather be like on eclipse day? Will it be clear? Will it be calm?
The climate statistics show that the average cloud cover for the Altai Mountains in August is about 55%. While at the Gobi Desert further south it runs between 45 - 50%, with the best observing site near Hami in China running around 35%.
As a result of this, Mongolia Expeditions has selected a secondary site from which to observe the total solar eclipse if the weather prospects for the primary site prove to be minimal. The secondary site is near Burenhayrhan in the Gobi. Both sites are extraordinary in their own way and both will provide a unique backdrop for the eclipse. The final decision as to which site will be used will be made one month before the start of the trip when the first extremely long-range weather predictions are available.
Although reliable forecasts are usually not possible less than a week in advance, generalized predictions based on local weather patterns and observations made over years can be used to predict the probability of clear skies. Below is the itinerary for the secondary site option:
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TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE MONGOLIA 2008 SECONDARY PROGRAM
Dates: 29 July – 5 August, 2008.
All inclusive price: From 2486 US$ per person.
Day 1: July 29, 2008 ARRIVAL TO ULAANBAATAR OR END OF PRE-EXTENSIONS
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in central Ulaanbaatar. After a short briefing
we explore the main Buddhist Temple of Ulaanbaatar, the Gandan with its 90 foot
statue of Lord Buddha. The Palace of the last Mongolian King with its religious
artwork and the King’s daily use items and the National History Museum
displaying a spectacular collection of national costumes will follow after.
Before dinner, a show of unique throat (overtone) singing and contortion
will be presented to you. (L,D)
Day 2: July 30, 2008
This morning we take a 3 hour flight to Khovd, provincial capital of Western Mongolia.
Khovd has always been an important frontier outpost of Mongolia. Its population is ethnically and
linguistically mixed, comprising of Durvut, Torgut, Bayad, Uriankhai, Zakhchin, Myangad, and Uuld tribes.
This people own a rich cultural heritage.
On arrival you will be served lunch in the town. Then start driving towards the eclipse camp. Rough jeep roads run across vast dry plains, desert lakes and the distant ridges of Altai Mountains in the background. Our destination is the Bodonch Canyon. We arrive to our tented camp at entrance of the canyon. (B,L,D)
Day 3: July 31
After breakfast we drive along the narrow passage across the range. In
the evening we arrive to the eclipse camp with full facilities and great
food by our expedition chefs. After supper we begin our pre-eclipse preparation
by taking a short walk to the eclipse viewing site to explore the area
and pick out your observing spot for the "big event".
Pre Eclipse Presentation
After experiencing sunset over the desert Andreas will give a twilight presentation describing what will occur the next day, what people should look for during the various stages of the eclipse, and how to photograph the eclipse. Following this presentation a short tour of the night sky will be conducted. Optionally, you will be able to set up and polar align your telescope, observe and do astro-photography, from what should be a truly dark sky site. (B,L,D)
Day 4: August 1, 2008
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Eclipse Photography Workshop
Andreas will conduct a solar eclipse photography workshop at the viewing site. This will give participants an opportunity to get one-on-one hands-on help before the big event.
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Total Solar Eclipse Viewing
9:00 PM: Post Eclipse Presentation and Celebration
After experiencing one of nature's most awe-inspiring and emotionally draining events, it is time to unwind and celebrate.
This evening, we return to the eclipse-viewing site to relive the excitement of the day. (B,L,D)
Solar Eclipse Secondary Site
The solar eclipse secondary camp is situated amidst flat dry plains at an elevation of 1150 m south west of the Altai Mountains
near the centerline of the eclipse. The coordinates of the site are N 45° 39' 27.9", E 91° 58' 1.1 ".
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Day 5: August 2, 2008
We travel back to our previous camp just outside of Bodonch canyon. (B,L,D)
Day 6: August 3, 2008
Return travel to Khovd. En-route we make stop over by the Gurvan Tsenkher caves sheltering some 15000 year old rock paintings -
an artistic expression of early humans. Another short stop will be made at Mongolia's second largest freshwater lake - Khar Us Nuur.
Covering an area of 15,800 sq km it is only 4m deep and is a home to rich birdlife comprised of ducks, geese, partridges and seagulls.
We will overnight in a tented camp near Khovd town. (B,L,D)
Day 7: August 4, 2008
Take the return flight to Ulaanbaatar. In the afternoon you may explore around
the city and shop for souvenirs and gifts. Our guides will accompany to help
you make the most out of this day. (B,L,D)
Day 8: August 5, 2008 DEPARTURE OR START OF
POST-EXTENSIONS
Transfer to airport for your return journey home. (B)
