Hello,

On 22 July 2009 (around 8-11 o'clock in the morning - local time) there will be a total solar eclipse in Shanghai (100% total eclipse lasting for approx. 6 mins.).

The eclipse will also be visible in parts of Northern India, with an almost total solar eclipse in places like Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi.

The 22nd July eclipse is particularly special, as it will mark the longest eclipse of the 21st century at max. 6 minutes and 39 seconds.

Here are the timings for Shanghai :

. 8:23:25 Starting Time
. 9:36:44 Start of Full Eclipse
. 9:41:49 End of Full Eclipse
. 11:01:36 Completed Time

Which means flight EK305 out of PVG will just about miss the onset of the eclipse, but is probably going to fly through it at some stage (soon after take off). I am wondering if this plane will fly through (or maybe) around the eclipse's path on the morning of 22 July 2009??

I've also noticed that EK is sending a wild mix of 773ER and 343 to PVG this summer (this route used to be almost exclusively 343), with cheap tickets still to be had around the date of the eclipse.

As I spend a lot of time in Shanghai, I have adjusted my travel schedule in order to be there when it happens...

Got me wondering if there will be any particular impact on EKs operations, especially in India?? Which flights will be affected?? And are there any extra flights (carrying groups of 'eclipse-spotters')??

Who else will be there ???

http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages...leMapFull.html

Just curious,

Ciao,

.