No. 1　Solar Eclipse at Stockholm (1999/08/14）

Life in Sweden

No. 1 Solar Eclipse at Stockholm

1999/08/14

On August 11th, 1999, complete solar eclipse was observed in some area of Europe and Middle East.

At Stockholm, the eclipse was partial (the lower part of the sun became dark up to 70%), however thanks to the good weather, we enjoyed the great show. As the result, the majority of the stuffs at the Department seemed to be too busy watching this rare event and their own experiments were halted during the eclipse. (Yes, I was one of them.)

1999/08/11 12:35 Eclipse Started from the Lower Right

1999/08/11 12:47 Photo of Maximum Eclipse(70%)

Pictures by KODAK DC20 digital camera with black filter.

Colleagues Watching the Eclipse

In Stockholm, it became only a little bit dark, nevertheless the atmosphere was dominated by strange silence with no birds flying and singing around. At the same time, the complete solar eclipse observed in Iran was broadcasted on real time through the Net, and fellow researchers from that country were really excited.

Talking of the stars, one thing I am always impressed is the Big Bear is found very high in the sky here in Stockholm. As the latitude of Stockholm is as high as 59 degree North, the Polar Star is also observed near the top of the sky.

We enjoyed the white night through June to July in Stockholm, but now, the darkness of the night is back. As the temperature is beginning to go down, we feel something of Autumn already. I also purchased several more electric lumps to light up my room.

By the way, I heard that northern light (aurora) is also visible in Stockholm, however just once in two or three years. I am looking forward to visit Arctic area to see it by my own eyes this winter. I suppose it would be freezingly cold then, brrrrrrr.

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Last Updated 1999/08/14