There was a total solar eclipse on August 1, 2008 that passed through the Gobi desert near the border between China and Mongolia. This was a two-minute eclipse, and the path of totality was very difficult to reach. It had to be viewed from a site selected by the Chinese government (no choice was given). In spite of the many, many hours on rough roads that was required, there were about 300 to 400 eclipse observers present from many countries. It was very hot; about 45 C, but this came as no surprise for August in the Gobi. It was partly cloudy, about 40%, but there was no problem during the partial stages. Unfortunately for this site, at about 90 seconds before the first diamond ring the sun went behind a small cloud (see photo in the slide show). It did not emerge until about one and a half minutes later. The first diamond ring was thus not seen, nor was the full corona during totality. The outgoing diamond ring was observed however. The sky at totality was not disturbed by the small cloud, and the overall view of totality was experienced. Venus and Mercury were very apparent, and the 360-degree ring of sunset on the horizon was impressive. See some photos of the horizon in the photos below.
GALLERY SLIDESHOW PHOTOS FOR THE 2008 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN THE GOBI DESERT:
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