Observations of the 21 June 2001 Total Solar Eclipse

Abstract

Total solar eclipses are rare events, but the publicity surrounding them is generating a lot of interest. These events can be used to popularize astronomy and promote science awareness. The internet is gaining popularity as a medium to view eclipses remotely as is evidenced by the number of websites devoted to the 2001 solar eclipse. More internet webcasts are needed to meet the demand that these events generate. The attempt by a team from the Astronomy Department at the University of South Africa to broadcast a streaming video of the 21 June 2001 total eclipse from Lusaka on the internet are described. All the necessary equipment is commercially available. Lessons learnt from this eclipse can be used to prepare for future events.