Australian eclipses: the Western Australian eclipse of 1974 and the East Coast eclipse of 1976

Australian eclipses: the Western Australian eclipse of 1974 and the East Coast eclipse of 1976

In 1974 and 1976 total eclipses of the Sun were visible from Australia for the first time in over 50 years. For the 1974 eclipse only the northern limit of totality touched land and observers were scattered across the few towns along the south-west coast of Western Australia. Clouds disturbed most scientific observations, while two rocket flights with instruments to image the Sun in ultraviolet light failed to obtain useful results. However, some amateur astronomers were fortunate with the weather at their locations so that they could observe the totally eclipsed Sun. The eclipse was notable for a viewing flight on a Boeing 727 passenger aircraft organised by an American travel company. This was the first commercial eclipse flight. The 1976 eclipse attracted many scientists, both local and from overseas, who mainly gathered in the NSW town of Bombala. Once again, clouds prevented observations. Unusually, the path of totality included the major city of Melbourne with its almost three million inhabitants. To try to prevent eye damage, the authorities encouraged the population to stay indoors during the eclipse and only watch on television. They were generally successful, though with the consequence that millions of people missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view a total eclipse from their own backyards.