CHINA: Shanghai buzzes with solar eclipse fever but rainy weather threatens to dampen the viewing.
Record ID:
1519924
CHINA: Shanghai buzzes with solar eclipse fever but rainy weather threatens to dampen the viewing.
- Title: CHINA: Shanghai buzzes with solar eclipse fever but rainy weather threatens to dampen the viewing.
- Date: 22nd July 2009
- Summary: PEOPLE WALKING ON STREETS (SOUNDBITE) (English) 20-YEAR-OLD SHI YU, SAYING: "Of course I would be disappointed. But there is nothing we can do if it rains. I will try to view another eclipse if there is a chance in the future. I had heard that the view here in Shanghai is better than my hometown of Chengdu, so I came here with these hopes. If I can't see it, I just have to feel the disappointment."
- Embargoed: 7th August 2009 12:50
- Keywords:
- Location: China
- Country: China
- Topics: Science / Technology,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVAF0CBMC8IH41FZR3POAG34PA2K
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: China's financial capital Shanghai is gearing up to view the century's longest total solar eclipse but a rainy weather forecast is threatening to dampen the viewing.
China's financial capital Shanghai is abuzz as the city gears up for what is set to be the longest total solar eclipse this century.
The cosmopolitan city has been hyping up its credentials as the best place to view the eclipse in the world's most populous nation. The total eclipse can be seen in some parts of China such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan and Shanghai on Wednesday (July 22) morning.
Astronomers say the total eclipse will plunge Shanghai into darkness for more than six minutes and the phenomenon can be seen seen in different parts of Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Nepal and Myanmar.
The eclipse is due to start at approximately 8:23am local time (0023GMT) and the sun will be totally eclipsed by the moon at approximately 9:36am (0136GMT) in Shanghai.
Local traffic police have said street lights will be turned on during the moments of darkness for safety reasons.
Restaurants across Shanghai's historic Bund area with a good view of the sunrise and skyline have already started the countdown to the eclipse by offering up special brunches and activities to warm up the crowd for the special moment.
At one restaurant "M on the Bund", a special brunch menu has been created for a private party of more than 300 guests. A breakfast platter including traditional eggs sunny side up, smoked ham and lemon pie will accompany cocktails on the go for guests willing to fork out 258 yuan (38 U.S. dollars) for the meal.
Restauranteur Michelle Garnaut said the response for the brunch has been overwhelming.
"Well the brunch is already sold out, so we have more than 300 people coming on Wednesday at 8am. And no doubt, it would be very exciting, as everybody is watching the passage of the sun and the moon. And we have more than a hundred people on the waiting list," she said.
Other restaurants and hotels in the area have also reported brisk sales for their special meals and booking of hotel rooms with an "eclipse" view.
Hundreds of eclipse chasers and fans from across the world have also gathered in Shanghai to witness the historic event.
Specialised eclipse tour company Eclipse City has gathered global stargazers to participate in a forum and viewing in Shanghai.
They have set up a stage on an island on the outskirts of Shanghai to facilitate viewing the eclipse in the place they deem as the best.
"It (the solar eclipse) is going to be the longest of the century. In fact, since it is going mostly over the sea, the point of its longest duration, to simplify things, is over the sea. So most people, of course, won't take a ship to go there, which means that in fact in about 30 years you will have a longer one on land. So it is possible to have a longer duration on land in 20 years but this one in Shanghai, it is a big city, six minutes, it is really fantastic," said Xavier Jubier, the manager of Eclipse City.
However, despite the fanfare about the eclipse, rainy weather is set to spoil the party for most people in Shanghai.
Local weathermen have said rain is to be expected on Wednesday morning, despite days of sunshine in the financial capital.
However this has not dampened the spirits of some locals, who say they will view the eclipse, rain or shine.
"I will find an outdoor space to view it. I will try not to be on the subway or in my workplace. I will try to allocate some time and wear my sunglasses or use some film negatives to view this eclipse," said 30-year-old Hu Qirui (pron: who-chee-rooi).
But others fear their viewing plans might be put to rest by the weather forecast for Wednesday.
"Of course I would be disappointed. But there is nothing we can do if it rains. I will try to view another eclipse if there is a chance in the future. I had heard that the view here in Shanghai is better than my hometown of Chengdu, so I came here with these hopes. If I can't see it, I just have to feel the disappointment," said 20-year-old Shi Yu (pron: she-yoo), who came from Chengdu to Shanghai for a holiday.
As the sun sets in the distance, the anticipation burns for a solar event that will be well-watched by many in this part of the world. And the people of Shanghai can only hope that the weather will play its part in this once-in-a-lifetime event.
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