The 2012 Eclipse in Cairns
On Wednesday, November 14, 2012 (Cairns time) a total solar eclipse will be visible in Northern Australia and the Pacific Islands. Very few people have the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse as the shadow only covers a very small area of the Earth and you must be in a limited zone to see the moon cover the entire face of the sun.
Seeing a total eclipse is perhaps one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomenons that you will ever see. Being in the right spot is essential, and on November 14, 2012 the easiest spot to view the total eclipse will be in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia.
Cairns Eclipse 2012 Webcam
Can't make it to Cairns to see the Eclipse? No problem! Just check back on November the 14th before 6:39am AEST (gmt+10). to see it live on our webcam.
The Cairns Webcam will is in the perfect position to view the total eclipse.
On the day of the eclipse the webcam will be focused just above trinity inlet where the sun and moon are expected to come in line with the earth.
If you would like to place the Eclipse webcam on your own website just click here for the embed code and instructions.
Cairns Eclipse Tours & Accommodation
Cairns Local Tourism Network now lists eclipse specific Tours and Accommodation still available during the 2012 Eclipse:
Click Here for the Eclipse Tours and Accommodation page.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and sun close enough to block some or all of the sun’s direct light. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun and blocks it completely, forming a shadow on the earth. For this to occur the sun, earth and moon come in a straight line in their orbits and it will seem like the moon has covered the sun.
Why Cairns will be the best place to view the eclipse and when it will occur?
Two to five solar eclipses occur each year, and no more than two of those can be total eclipses. The 2012 Total Solar Eclipse on November 14, will best be viewed in Cairns, which is on the path of totality of the eclipse. Totality will occur just after sunrise at 6:39am AEST (gmt+10) with the Sun 14 degrees above the horizon.
Totality will last just over two minutes after which it will move out across unpopulated areas of the South Pacific. The best place to view the eclipse will be somewhere elevated facing East such as the Cairns Esplande Ocean View apartments, beachfront properties or island resorts. As the eclipse will attract an international audience, booking accommodation early is highly recommended.
What to expect to see during a solar eclipse
There are five stages that are observed during a total eclipse.
First Contact
First contact is the beginning stage of a total eclipse. Also referred to as a partial eclipse, the moon’s shadow first becomes visible looking like a bite has been taken out of the sun.
Second Contact
Second contact occurs just before totality. During this phase you may be lucky enough to witness Bailys Beads, which are distinct points of light seen on the edge of the moon’s disc. This is caused by the Sun shining through the valleys on the moon’s surface. The Diamond Ring effect is also seen in this phase, when only one point of light is left. When this disappears, totality has started.
Totality
Totality occurs when the shadow of the moon is covering the entire sun, with only the faint halo of the sun (corona) being visible. The corona is only visible during an eclipse and is an amazing sight. The temperature drops sharply, the sky becomes dark and animals and birds become quiet.
Third Contact
The fourth stage of a total eclipse is much like the second. The moon is moving away from the sun, Baily Beads and the Diamond ring may be observed.
Fourth Contact
The final stage of a total eclipse occurs when the partial eclipse of the sun ends and light is restored back to normal.
How to safely view a Solar Eclipse
It is important that you are properly prepared to view a Solar Eclipse before it takes place. It is dangerous to look directly at the sun for even a few seconds and can cause permanent retina damage in your eye. As the retina senses no pain, the damage caused from the intense radiation the photosphere admits may not appear for a few hours.
It is easy to stare at the sun during an eclipse as much of the sun is covered but is still unsafe. Looking at the eclipse through a telescope of binoculars is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.
Indirect projection is one of the safest ways to view an eclipse. This is done by projecting an image of the sun onto a white piece of paper using binoculars (with one side covered), a telescope or another piece of cardboard which has been made into a pinhole camera (by making a small 1mm hole in it). The eclipse can also be viewed through welder’s goggles that have a rating 14 or higher. Goggles are a fairly inexpensive method, allowing you to safely look directly at the sun.
Other spots in Cairns to view the 2012 Eclipse
There are a number of lookouts in Cairns which will provide a good spot for observers of the eclipse. These include the Kuranda Lookout, the Rex Lookout and Copperlode Dam Lookout.
Do you want links to sites about these spots or more info about each on this site?
About Cairns
Cairns is located in Far North Queensland, Australia surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. As a premier destination, Cairns is the perfect base to explore what the region has to offer. For more information and help on planning your holiday to Cairns including accommodation and tour options, visit :
Cairns Info.com
Cairns Weather Forecast
For the current 7 day weather forecast in Cairns visit CairnsWeather.org
About Port Douglas 
One hour’s drive North of Cairns is the coastal rainforest town Port Douglas. Port Douglas is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, who wish to soak up some sun and relax on the long beaches. Port Douglas also features a wide range of restaurants, boutiques and day tours to explore the area further. Port Douglas Info specialise in planning your holiday to suit your needs