WITH their digital cameras, camcorders and eye protector gadgets, dozens of excited people—children and old alike—trooped to the observatory area of the Palms Resort Saipan yesterday noon to view the total solar eclipse, a scientific phenomenon that won’t happen again until the next 132 years.
J. Ward Moody, Brigham Young University physics and astronomy professor who is on island on invitation by Palms Resort, said the CNMI is fortunate to witness up to 75 percent of the eclipse, which is also happening in some parts of Asia.
Moody said a total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth.
He said the solar eclipse started at about 11:30 a.m. Ten minutes before 1 p.m., spectators got to their feet and looked up at the sky using eye protectors as Moody announced that the solar eclipse was at its maximum.
The line of people waiting for their chance to view the eclipse through the giant telescope at the hotel grew even longer.
Moody said yesterday’s total solar eclipse was the third one he had ever witnessed.
“The first two solar eclipses I’ve witnessed in the United States were just about 40 percent, but CNMI is fortunate to view it on such a clear and cloudless day,” he said.
He added that other parts of the world are not as lucky as the CNMI to witness it, like the United States and Russia.
Other parts of the world which are fortunate to see the solar eclipse include the western edge of China, Iwo Jima, northern India, eastern Nepal, northern Bangladesh, Bhutan, the northern tip of Myanmar, the Pacific Ocean, including the Ryukyu Islands, Marshall Islands and Kiribati.
Moody said viewing the eclipse was a real treat especially as it was the first time for most spectators.
Tasi Tours guide Melinda Bermudez said the experience is both exciting and wonderful.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before, and I may never have the chance to view another one,” she said.
For businessman Ron Fuscho, viewing the solar eclipse for the first time is a very interesting experience.
“For a rainy season, we sure got lucky to have a very bright day for the eclipse,” he said.
Saipan Southern High School student Samantha Birmingham Babauta said she felt so lucky to have the chance to view an eclipse.
“It’s pretty cool and weird to see the sun getting dark in the daytime,” she said.
Paul Zak who also witnessed a solar eclipse for the first time said it was remarkable to be able to detect the change in temperature as the eclipse progressed.
“This is absolutely amazing! One minute it was scorching hot then the next minute, the temperature dropped and the sunlight dimmed! I wish we can arrange something like this everyday,” he said.
Russel Snow, president of United Micronesia Development Association which owns Palms Resort Saipan said giving people a chance to view such a rare phenomenon through the powerful telescopes is one way of sharing to the community.
Yesterday’s solar eclipse which was projected to last for up to six minutes and 39 seconds was the longest of its kind in the 21st century. Scientists said it will not be surpassed in duration until June 13, 2132.
