Preface

Single copies of the bulletins are available at no cost by sending a 9 x 12 inch self addressed stamped envelope with postage for 12 oz. (340 g.). Detailed instructions and an order form can be found at the back of this publication.

The 2002 bulletin uses the World Data Bank II (WDBII) mapping data base for the path figures. WDBII outline files were digitized from navigational charts to a scale of approximately 1:3,000,000. The data base is available through the Global Relief Data CD-ROM from the National Geophysical Data Center. The highest detail eclipse maps are constructed from the Digital Chart of the World (DCW), a digital database of the world developed by the U.S. Defense Mapping Agency (DMA). The primary sources of information for the geographic database are the Operational Navigation Charts (ONC) and the Jet Navigation Charts (JNC). The eclipse path and DCW maps are plotted at a scale of 1:2,000,000 in order to show roads, cities and villages, lakes and rivers, suitable for eclipse expedition planning.

The geographic coordinates data base includes over 90,000 cities and locations. This permits the identification of many more cities within the umbral path and their subsequent inclusion in the local circumstances tables. These same coordinates are plotted in the path figures and are labeled when the scale allows. The source of these coordinates is Rand McNally's The New International Atlas. A subset of these coordinates is available in a digital form which we've augmented with population data.

The bulletins have undergone a great deal of change since their inception in 1993. The expansion of the mapping and geographic coordinates data bases have significantly improved the coverage and level of detail demanded by eclipse planning. Some of these changes are the direct result of suggestions from our readers. We strongly encourage you to share your comments, suggestions and criticisms on how to improve the content and layout in subsequent editions. Although every effort is made to ensure that the bulletins are as accurate as possible, an error occasionally slips by. We would appreciate your assistance in reporting all errors, regardless of their magnitude.

We thank Dr. B. Ralph Chou for a comprehensive discussion on solar eclipse eye safety. Dr. Chou is Professor of Optometry at the University of Waterloo and he has over twenty-five years of eclipse observing experience. As a leading authority on the subject, Dr. Chou's contribution should help dispel much of the fear and misinformation about safe eclipse viewing.

Dr. Joe Gurman (GSFC/Solar Physics Branch) has made this and previous eclipse bulletins available over the Internet. They can be read or downloaded via the World-Wide Web from Goddard's Solar Data Analysis Center eclipse information page:.

In 1996, Espenak developed the NASA Eclipse Web Site, a web site which provides general information on every solar and lunar eclipse occurring during the period 1951 through 2050. An on line catalog also lists that date and characteristics of every solar and lunar eclipse from 2000 BC through AD 3000.

In addition to the general information web site above, a special web site devoted to the 2002 total solar eclipse has been set up: . It includes supplemental predictions, figures and maps which could not be included in the present publication.

Since the eclipse bulletins are of a limited and finite size, they cannot include everything needed by every scientific investigation. Some investigators may require exact contact times which include lunar limb effects or for a specific observing site not listed in the bulletin. Other investigations may need customized predictions for an aerial rendezvous or from the path limits for grazing eclipse experiments. We would like to assist such investigations by offering to calculate additional predictions for any professionals or large groups of amateurs. Please contact Espenak with complete details and eclipse prediction requirements.

We would like to acknowledge the valued contributions of a number of individuals who were essential to the success of this publication. The format and content of the NASA eclipse bulletins has drawn heavily upon over 40 years of eclipse Circulars published by the U. S. Naval Observatory. We owe a debt of gratitude to past and present staff of that institution who have performed this service for so many years. The many publications and algorithms of Dr. Jean Meeus have served to inspire a life-long interest in eclipse prediction. We thank Francis Reddy, who helped develop the original geographic data base and to Rique Pottenger for his assistance in expanding the data base to over 90,000 cities. Peter Anderson of the Astronomical Association of Queensland provided a great deal of information about Australia. Nick Zambatis and Peter Tiedt contributed information about cloud and weather in Kruger National Park. GPS coordinates of key locations throughout Kruger National Park were generously provided by Peter Tiedt. Prof. Jay M. Pasachoff reviewed the manuscript and offered many helpful suggestions. Internet availability of the eclipse bulletins is due to the efforts of Dr. Joseph B. Gurman. The support of Environment Canada is acknowledged in the acquisition of the weather data.

Permission is freely granted to reproduce any portion of this publication, including data, figures, maps, tables and text. All uses and/or publication of this material should be accompanied by an appropriate acknowledgment (e.g. - "Reprinted from Total Solar Eclipse of 2002 December 04 Espenak and Anderson, 2001"). We would appreciate receiving a copy of any publications where this material appears.

The names and spellings of countries, cities and other geopolitical regions are not authoritative, nor do they imply any official recognition in status. Corrections to names, geographic coordinates and elevations are actively solicited in order to update the data base for future eclipses. All calculations, diagrams and opinions are those of the authors and they assume full responsibility for their accuracy.

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