As the world eagerly awaits the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, Australia is preparing for its own celestial event a year earlier. On April 20th, 2023, a total solar eclipse will be visible from the town of Exmouth in Western Australia. And it promises to be a truly spectacular sight.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. When the moon fully blocks the sun, it creates an eerie twilight-like darkness that lasts for just a few minutes. This is known as totality, and it’s the moment that eclipse enthusiasts eagerly await.
Exmouth, located on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, is the perfect place to witness the 2023 solar eclipse. The town is situated in the path of totality, meaning that the moon will completely block the sun for around two minutes and thirty seconds. This is the longest duration of totality that will be visible from anywhere in Australia.
The spectacle will begin at around 4:15 pm local time, when the moon will start to move across the face of the sun. As totality approaches, the temperature will drop, and the sky will begin to darken. Just before totality, a phenomenon known as the Diamond Ring Effect will occur, where a bright spot of sunlight shines through a gap in the moon’s surface, creating a dazzling ring of light.
Then, at the moment of totality, the sky will go dark, and the sun’s corona will be visible. This is the outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere, and it’s usually invisible due to the brightness of the sun. But during a total solar eclipse, it can be seen as a delicate, wispy halo around the moon.
Experiencing a total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s a chance to witness the raw power of the universe and to marvel at the beauty of our planet’s place in it. And Exmouth is the perfect place to do it. The town is a popular tourist destination, with stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a laid-back atmosphere. And during the eclipse, it will be buzzing with excitement as people from all over the world come to witness this incredible event.
If you’re planning on traveling to Exmouth for the 2023 solar eclipse, make sure to book your accommodation and transportation early. This is a popular event, and demand for hotels, campsites, and rental cars will be high. You’ll also need to make sure you have the right equipment to view the eclipse safely. Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, and make sure you have a pair of eclipse glasses or a solar filter for your camera.
Experiencing a total solar eclipse is a rare and unforgettable experience. And in 2023, Exmouth, Western Australia, will be the place to be. So mark your calendars, book your tickets, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.