Thursday, 20 April 2023

Total solar eclipse draws thousands to Exmouth for world's best view of 'masterpiece' in the sky.

Extract from ABC News 

ABC News Homepage

Total solar eclipse draws thousands to Exmouth for world's best view of 'masterpiece' in the sky.

Years of planning, millions of dollars in preparation and thousands of hours of travel will come to a head in just over 60 seconds above Western Australia's north today, as thousands look to the skies to witness a total solar eclipse.

In Exmouth, 1,200 kilometres north of Perth, thousands of visitors will make the most of being in the best place on Earth to witness the eclipse at totality.

The fine weather forecast since the start of the week has held firm, with sunny conditions and a top of 30 degrees expected as of late Wednesday afternoon.

The atmosphere in the tourist town — normally home to just under 3,000 permanent residents — is electric, with visitors arriving from all over the world.

For dedicated eclipse chaser Kryss Katsiavriades, totality is one of the most incomparably unique moments it is possible for someone to experience.

Telescopes, cameras and tripods set up in the middle of a campsite.
Telescopes and photographic equipment set up at Exmouth ahead of today's eclipse.()

"Totality is the masterpiece," he said.

"It doesn't need music, it doesn't need fireworks — it's more than sufficient to hold its own."

He said people in Exmouth would be in for a visual treat at approximately 11:27am local time (AWST).

"The sky colour starts to change, it becomes a very intense blue," Mr Katsiavriades said. 

"It starts to look like evening in the middle of the day.

"As totality approaches, the darkening will come in about 10 seconds, it's like someone turning on a dimmer switch."

More visitors expected

Around 12,000 people were in Exmouth early yesterday, with thousands more attending events in Carnarvon, Coral Bay and Onslow.

Hundreds of additional government personnel have been sent to the region to help manage the influx of visitors.

Crowds of people walk along Exmouth's main street.
Local businesses were hoping for a late surge in crowds ahead of today's main event.()

While conscious of the challenges, WA Tourism Minister Roger Cook said he was happy with how events were proceeding.

"I'm getting more and more comfortable with the number of people who are here and how the town is coping with visitors," he said.

"We want to leave a legacy for Exmouth and the other towns in the region, to make sure we can be really proud of what we put on here."

A line of cars travels along the road into Exmouth
Thousands of people are expected to make a single-day trip into Exmouth to witness the eclipse.()

With thousands more visitors expected to drive into Exmouth on day trips to witness the event this morning, Mr Cook urged people hitting the road to take care.

"Be safe, be patient," he said.

"We want to make sure people have a great solar eclipse experience, but a safe one as well."

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