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Ironically, the sun, the most visible of heavenly bodies, is also one of the hardest to observe, and is most observable when it's obscured by the moon. Scientists haven't yet developed instruments that can accurately determine the sun's composition, and the part that its magnetic storms play on the weather of earth remains largely a mystery. In July of 1991, astronomers both professional and amateur were afforded the opportunity to study it in greater detail than ever before. A total eclipse occurred over Hawaii, where some of the world's most advanced observatories--not to mention the world's most ardent sun worshippers--happen to be.
Nova's
Eclipse of the Century captures the mad scramble to gather as much data on the fiery orb as possible, while offering snapshots of personalities such as high school student Ana Correia, who traveled from Massachusetts to complete a project for her science class. The results of the "eclipse of the century" are bittersweet; while those attending to observatories on Mauna Kea marveled at the spectacle, the view of the amateurs on the shore was unfortunately obscured by fog. At least they didn't have to apply sunscreen.
--Ryan Boudinot
Product Description
In Hawaii on July 11, 1991, astronomers and scientists discovered a remarkable opportunity to examine a total eclipse of the sun. Sun, moon and earth would perfectly align, achieving "totality" directly above technologically advanced observatories perched atop Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano. For the first time, giant telescopes could see behind the sizzle of the sun and begin to understand our closest star. But the project was not as simple as it seemed. In the days preceding "the eclipse of the century," astronomers faced equipment breakdowns, incompatible telescopes, threatening weather and a celestial spectacle that would wait for no one. Join the action as scientists prepare for an unprecedented look at the normally invisible corona, the sun's superheated atmosphere. And take a breathtaking look at the sky's most exciting event.
