A solar eclipse happens during the day and this year’s Total Solar Eclipse in Exmouth will be a unique and remarkable natural phenomenon to experience. On 20th April 2023, the partial solar eclipse starts at approximately 10am. In the Exmouth area, “totality” (when the Sun is completely blocked by the Moon) is from 11:29:41am and, depending on your location, there will be 62 seconds of darkened skies and an amazing encounter that you will remember for years to come.
It is expected that tens of thousands of visitors will make their way to witness the eclipse, so it is important to be well prepared for the day. To make the experience perfect while you take in this amazing phenomenon, we have put together the tip 7 essentials for this awe-inspiring adventure.
1. Must Have Solar Shades
Never look directly at the Sun. Looking directly at the Sun is unsafe except during the brief total phase (“totality”) of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon entirely blocks the Sun’s bright face. On mainland WA, totality will only occur in the Exmouth area. Everywhere else in WA and Australia will experience a partial solar eclipse which is not safe to look at with the unprotected eye. The Astronomical Society of Australia has practical guidance on how to view a solar eclipse including how to use solar eclipse glasses safely, and other methods of viewing. To safely look at a partial solar eclipse with your eyes, you’ll need some solar glasses for protection. These can be bought at BinoCentral or Being in the Shadow
2. Pinhole Camera
If you don’t have solar glasses, the next best thing is to make your own pinhole camera. Stand with your back facing the sun and hold out a large piece of card with a small 2mm hole in it. The sunlight passes through the hole and can be projected on to another piece of paper.
3. Eclipse Viewing Site Tickets
If you want to be in the “path of totality” and witness the total solar eclipse, you’ll need a ticket to the Eclipse Viewing Site. Tickets are from $50 per person and can be bought from the Ningaloo Eclipse website.
4. Warm Weather Gear
The 2023 Exmouth solar eclipse will be happening during the heat of the day and eclipse chasers may be out in the Sun for many hours before and after the event. Grab your sunburn cream, a hat, picnic lunch, plenty of water and first-aid kit.
5. Extra Comforts
To add to your comfort factor, bring along portable chairs and some shade just in case it’s very hot. The whole eclipse lasts for several hours from beginning to end and somewhere comfy to sit out of the Sun will be appreciated.
6. What You'll See From Where You'll Be!
There are some great online resources that can help you know what you'll witness on the day. Visit Xavier Jubier's wonderful website to see where the eclipse is visible from. And then visit Dan McGlaun's website to see a visualisation what the eclipse will look like from your location. Both of these websites have excellent information and give a practical guide for the view you'll see.
7. Patience
Witnessing a total solar eclipse is a rare occurrence and a most remarkable one. That is why so many people travel great distances to have the experience. With large crowds expected in the Exmouth area, there could be traffic jams and long queues for food, drinks, toilets etc. So, plenty of patience will be the name of the game! Enjoy the moment of totality and meeting other eclipse chasers along the way.
Want more astro?
Astrotourism WA is hosting many FREE events all over WA as part of the Solar Eclipse celebrations! Find out when and where all of the events are here
