Annular Solar Eclipse

The Annular Solar Eclipse in Madagascar was observed from Ankarafantsika National Park and the Ankarokaroka Canyon. This Canyon is located at 16 deg South in latitude, well within the tropical zone. The temperature during the day could reach 40 C in cold and dry season (winter), while it can exceed 45 C in warm and wet season (summer). Photographs and temperature measurements were taken during the Annular Solar Eclipse, while some clouds were accumulating due to increased humidity of the savanna. The 3-min duration of the eclipse was enough to capture the "Ring of Fire" of the solar disk and the unique Baily's Beads during the 2nd and 3rd contact.

The "Ring of Fire" or the annulus around the lunar disk is the reason why such eclipses are called "annular". The eclipse was observed together with local people from Ankarafantsika National Park, guides and their families, as well as with three more Birtish friends who were also visiting the canyon. We all had the chance to observe and take many photos of the phemomenon, play with light diffraction under the sun and take part on the actual digital recording of the eclipse and environmental changes and enjoy the overall event.

All images are protectd by copyright and any unauthorized use of them is strictly prohibited. If, however, you wish to use any of them, please contact me via email (kgaze@phys.uoa.gr), describing the purpose of use. I will be glad to share these images with you, as long as you preserve, fully document and acknowledge the source and photographer. For a detailed description of copyright matters, please see the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty (Geneva, December 2-20, 1996) and/or the latest text of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.