The Eclipse that came to Kosrae
There’re always plenty of things to do in Kosrae, but there was one event last week that eclipsed all others.
On Thursday afternoon April 20, for the first time in recorded history, Kosrae experienced a total solar eclipse.
Because the totality path of this eclipse crossed a lot of empty ocean, few people witnessed this rare hybrid eclipse. Besides Kosrae, this eclipse was only visible on Australia’s Northwest Cape, the east end of Timor Leste, and part of Indonesian Papua. Although other islands in Micronesia observed a partial eclipse, they saw nothing as impressive as what we saw on Kosrae. And yes, thankfully, Kosrae had reasonably clear skies.
To experience this extraordinary event, the College of Micronesia and the government of Kosrae jointly coordinated an Eclipse Cruise. About 70 people boarded eight boats to cruise five miles south of Kosrae in order to witness Totality. At 5.2°N latitude, we were exactly in the middle of the path of the moon’s umbra as it swept across the ocean at 800+ mph. We were not disappointed!
Please watch this 10 minute video to see what an amazing and unforgettable adventure this was for everyone involved.
As an encore to this spectacular solar eclipse, there will be a lunar eclipse on the night of May 5-6. Although not as dramatic as a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed by everyone on the night side of the earth. The lunar eclipse of May 5-6 will be visible in eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, Indonesia … and Kosrae — at 4:00 am. (The College of Micronesia is not planning a 4:00 am field trip for the lunar eclipse!)
Witnessing a total solar eclipse at sea is a real highlight of my visit to Kosrae. Now, I have only three more weeks on this beautiful, peaceful, friendly island. Between now and then, I’ll submit final grades, pack my bags, hug all the wonderful people here and post one more set of photos about Kosrae. When I go to the airport on May 15, I won’t be saying “goodbye.” I’ll say “osun!” (see you again!)
You are turning into a first class professional video producer! Great pics and the suspense as it built up was palpable .Life looks good on Kosrae.
Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Marvin & Trish
What an experience!
Wow, thank you for the amazing video, Nick! It gave me goosebumps watching the portion where the eclipse hit and the reactions from all the students you brought out there. Must have been an amazing sight to see. Keep on living your best life
A great job in handling this solar eclipse, It’s definitely worth watching.f
Thank you so much for the privilege you have given us of joining you on this voyage. I will be remembering this and will create a poem with music based on what you have shared. But it won’t be anywhere nearly as good as the video. This is outstanding.
I’d love to read your poem. Maybe it could be added to my eclipse blog? Debbie, you and I have met at the poetry meetings in Maine, yes?
FABULOUS! The video made me feel I was there. I had tears in my eyes most of the time, such a wonderful moment. When they all cheered, that was the absolute best. That must have made it worth all the time and effort you put into it. I hope they ALL know how lucky they were to have you there as The Arranger. Well done!
It was, without a doubt, one of the most magical moments of my life. To have experienced it here on Kosrae was a special treat. Richard Stauss’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra was playing in my head as the eclipse occurred.
Thank you for sharing this special moment from Kosrae.