A ring of fire over the equator

My first post was about the Venus transit of June 2004. In my second blog post I wrote about the unavailability of adequate filters for observing such astronomical events in the Maldives. Five years later, it is encouraging to see an active organisation promoting safe protective filters and creating awareness on safety issues as Maldives becomes the hotspot for watching the annular solar eclipse. I admire the work Maldives Science Society is doing to promote the love of astronomy among Maldivians. However, we still have a shortage of safe protective filters and several Maldivians will miss out on this unique opportunity. Judging from the level of interest and the buzz this event has generated, from warnings to refrain from having barbecues and discos during the event to a gathering behind Dharubaaruge for viewing the eclipse, and of course the flocking pendulum scientists to the Maldives, I foresee much more interest in the next major event of such significance. Jaa has provided instructions on how to make a pinhole projector for projecting the image of the sun to another surface to view the eclipse safely. This could be the most adventurous way of watching the eclipse if you are not planning to watch it on television.