Total Solar Eclipse viewed in Bhutan

I got up at the crack of dawn as we had several clients viewing the eclipse from a vantage point. We were hitting the trail leading to one of the highest passes on the Thimphu (capital of Bhutan) and a central Bhutan town located little over 50km away.

Dochula pass standing at 3050mts is a lovely spot for picnicking family and tourist alike. From Dochula on a clear day one can see the surrounding mountain ranges coated in white and some of the remotest settlements miles and miles away.

The moment i stepped out of my house and gunned the engine of my jeep (Japanese Suv)i was disheartened to see the overcast sky. The could stretched from one end to the other and was threateningly dark.

With no option, i was speeding uphill maneuvering the hair-pin bends. As i drove further up the weather was even worse. The pass was enveloped in a blanket of thick fog. I thought there was no escape and our clients would have to return thinking what another total eclipse would be like in 2132 long after we all would be gone.

From the light and the predicted time i knew the moon was already eating its way across the sun. Several times i looked at my eclipse shades (thanks to a family of four from USA who were kind to spare 15 pairs for my guides and drivers) and thought i would keep it as a souvenir.

Feeling the chill around my bones i decided to drive further down where it would be bit warmer. Within I prayed for a miracle and expected a natural force to blow the cloud away.

At the right moment miracle did happen. The cloud around the sun gave way to a beautiful celestial spectacle.

The totality lasted for few seconds. About 200 people applauded and shouted when the diamond ring formed and a brilliant light flashed.

The was the first total eclipse of my life.

Link below will take you to some of the scenes. I apologise for the clarity as its a amateur video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asXXBxj3N7Q

Total solar eclipse 2009

On July 22, 2009 early morning Bhutan will fall on the path of the total solar eclipse. This will be the longest total solar eclipse in our life time. The next total solar eclipse will be experienced only in July 11, 2010 over the majority of South Pacific Ocean.

Bhutan will experience around 4mins totality as it falls on moon's umbra. This unique event will be closely followed by astronomers and enthusiasts.

We have over 50 people of different nationalities witnessing this event from Bhutan.

July is a time of torrential rain in Bhutan. We are bit apprehensive of the weather but if the weather cooperates we will be a part of the Total Solar Eclipse of July 22, 2009.

So far the weather has been good, and India is already experiencing drought.

This eclipse will start early morning in the western coast of India and move across north India, southern part of Nepal, Bhutan, China, southern Islands of Japan and the pacific where the totality will be of 6mins 39secs.