Thousands Gather to Watch Solar Eclipse

Thousands of enthusiasts gathered at various spots across the country yesterday morning to grab a glimpse of the much publicised solar eclipse.

The cheers grew in just a few provinces, though!!.

Thanks to the Rainy Season ,only the sky over Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and a few other areas was clear enough for people to watch the crescent sun.

In Thailand, yesterday's solar eclipse was just partial. But other Asian countries like India and China were able to witness a total eclipse, the longest of the century.

"Here in Chiang Rai, the sun was obscured by about 69 per cent," Prayong Huaklang said yesterday in his capacity as the head of the Chiang Rai Rajabhat University's observatory.

He said the eclipse lasted from 7am to 9.14am.

His observatory also provided free devices for keen gazers.

In Udon Thani, about 500 students and people crowded Rajabhat University's basketball court to watch the eclipse.

After rain fell throughout Monday night, the sky was clear in this northeastern province yesterday morning.

"From here, the partial eclipse obscured about 54 per cent of the sun," university president Natthep Pitaksanurak said.

In Chiang Mai, over 300 enthusiasts gathered on the rugby field of the Chiang Mai University to watch the eclipse.

Clouds blocked a clear view of the sun from time to time.

"I was so excited. I came here because I saw news reports about this phenomenon on TV," Grade3 student Kittipong Suwaeng said. "But I was a bit disappointed that the clouds kept obstructing my view."

LtColonel Sompong Pornsee, 70, said that although the sky was "not quite open", he was impressed to see the eclipse.

"I am already old. I don't know whether I will be able to witness this phenomenon again," he said.

In Uttaradit, hundreds of students could watch the solar eclipse for just 10 minutes because of hovering clouds.

"Although the sky was not clear, I felt this was a very valuable experience," Grade7 student Kanokwan Panjakabut said.

Locals in Songkhla, Lampang, Sukhothai, Nakhon Si Thammarat and several other provinces did not see the solar eclipse at all.

"More than 100 people registered to watch the solar eclipse with us but clouds spoiled it all," Lampang Science Centre for Education director Jamrern Moonfong said.

However, while many people were clearly disappointed that they missed an opportunity to see the partial eclipse, others never wished to watch the phenomenon.

According to some superstitious beliefs, the solar eclipse is a bad omen.

Source: The Nation - 22nd July 2009