Total Solar Eclipse at Woomera
A rare and spectacular total eclipse of the sun occurred at Woomera on 4 December 2002. In a symbolic coincidence, the narrow path of totality transited directly over the Woomera Rangehead, the site of numerous past sounding rocket launches to study astronomical phenomena.
Considerable advance planning to accommodate visitors at an eclipse viewing site close to the Rangehead at Koolymilka was undertaken by the Department of Defence and BAE Systems. The location afforded an un-interrupted view across the desert to the western horizon. Shelters, food and drink stalls and other amenities were set-up in readiness for the long-awaited event. A series of buses and other vehicles began transporting people to the viewing site through the secured Range area from around 3pm.
With perfect viewing conditions, the assembled crowd comprising several hundred visitors including eclipse chasers from overseas, watched through safety glasses as the moon slowly moved across the face of the sun towards totality. At precisely 7:40:53 pm when the sun was only a few degrees above the horizon, totality occurred suddenly, revealing a breathtaking view of the normally invisible corona extending away from the sun. At the same time, the shadow of the moon could be clearly seen as a narrow corridor of darkness reaching to the horizon, with beautiful hues of the sky on either side. An impressive array of high-tech equipment captured the magic of the moment.
All too quickly after a mere 28 seconds, a flash of light was seen as the disk of the sun began appearing through terrain on the limb of the moon, and the brief period of totality was over. The sun continued to set with the moon partially eclipsing the disk as spellbound visitors departed the Range.
While the eclipse was over, the eclipse party in Woomera Village was about to begin. With the support of the Woomera Board and local organisations, a memorable BBQ with live entertainment was held in Breen Park until the early hours of the next day.
Overall, the total eclipse of the sun was a unique and unforgetable event at Woomera. The only adverse comment received by the organizers was a request to schedule the eclipse on a weekend next time, rather than a Wednesday!
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