Over 2000 years ago, the legendary Silk Road was the passage for the flow of goods between China and the trading centers of Persia, the Middle East and the Roman Empire. Along with merchandise into China, traders brought Islam, Buddhism and cultural traditions that endure today.
We invite you to join us as we explore the historical and cultural wonders at the start of the China Silk Road and to experience the August 1, 2008 total solar eclipse. Both first-time China travelers and those returning again will find this eclipse sighting an exciting journey.
Partial eclipses of the sun pale in comparison to the overwhelming spectacle of a total solar eclipse! On Friday, August 1, 2008, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible from within a narrow corridor, which traverses half the Earth. Come to Xi'an, China and witness the incredible Solar Eclipse with us!
On August 1, 2008 (the last day of the conference), Xi'an is one of the best places on earth to see the total solar eclipse. So it would be a shame to miss out on such an attraction.
Totality is about 5pm local time in Xi'an. So finish the conference, we will have some transport arranged to a fantastic place to witness this miracle. Why not come to our conference and join us for this wonderful experience?
The technical committee plans to include a special session on astronomic imaging and applications in the conference program. This session will be scheduled just before the solar eclipse and the corresponding social event.
More details will be available as the conference date nears.
August 1 (Friday): ECLIPSE DAY!
Expect a total eclipse like this!
At both locations from 1m50 to 2m00s may be visible. The sun will be situated about 20 degrees above the western horizon for this rare alignment of the moon and sun.
Baily's beads look like this at the edge, not at the centerline.
