Shanghai Travel Forum

Any one going to Shanghai for the Total Solar Eclipse on 22nd July 2009? I am thinking of going there with a small group of amateur astronomers from Mumbai, India. Would like to know which good travel agencies in China to contact for travel plans, accomodation, etc. Would like to know from locals in Shanghai if there is an active astronomers group organising something from the centerline of the eclipse South of Shanghai. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Cheers,
Aadil.

Great ppp! Will be watching to see if you the answers!

Book mark

I've been thinking about it. I've also been thinking of going to India on a different trip.

For astronomical observations, Shanghai is not the best place. The high summer humidity and air polution keeps the sky hazy or obscured much of the time in the summer. If you want to sit and have a cocktail while the sky darkens, this is as good a place as any, just don't expect to see a corona except in a bar.

Where would you suggest then Ray?

Not sure what I would recommend. I have not seen any information about the eclipse. The delta region surrounding Shanghai and along the ocean and bay is very humid. The humidity is exacerbated by the pollution I was also inland about 150 km south of Hangzhou during the summer. It was also extremely humid. I think all you can do is see if there is something online that gives more information, or maybe someone here can help.

What is the path of the eclipse?

There was a map on the internet I saw a year or so ago. I can't find if now but I'm sure google will fine it if I keep looking long enough.

I think it said it is the longest eclipse in the 21 century. Meaning it's path is very long but some of it will be over the pacific with out land to watch it.

Some interesting solar eclipse maps and weather statistics here:
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009.html

Ray is correct the high summer humidity and air polution will keeps the sky hazy. Perhpas out in the rural area or even Suizhou. Have you tried contacting the local astronomer clubs?

As for travel arrangement Shanghai is relatively easy to get around so once you know where you want to "set up camp" you can book the hotels online. Check some of the sites such as Travel China Guides "http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/shanghai.htm"
As a group apartment hotels will be a good choice, they have 2-3 bedrooms and you can keep the costs down by sharing the apartment.
Where is Elsie when you need her?