Mean Cloud Cover in June for Southern Africa. Darker regions have less cloud cover in general in the month of June. These regions have the highest possibility of having clear viewing of the solar eclipse. Please click on image for full legend.
Click on image for full size
Courtesy of NASA
A Big Day for the Sun
News story originally written on June 20, 2001
On Thursday, June 21, 2001, there will be a total eclipse of the Sun
. The eclipse will only be visible from parts of Africa and Madagascar. The triple line on the image to the left shows the path of where a total eclipse will be seen. Though this region is narrow, a partial eclipse will be seen throughout most of Africa.
This is the first total eclipse of the new millennium. NASA will broadcast coverage of the eclipse to the rest of the world on NASA television and over the internet.
It may seem as if the Sun will be taking a break in the southern hemisphere during this eclipse. But, June 21st also marks the summer solstice for the northern hemisphere. The summer solstice is officially the first day of summer for the northern hemisphere. It is the longest day of the year with the Sun reaching its highest point in the sky for the whole year. So, you can see this really is a big day for the Sun!
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