Wednesday 26 June 2019
Dr Ian Griffin, Otago Museum Director, and Kane Fleury, Assistant Curator, Natural Sciences, are setting sail for the
Pitcairn Islands to observe and photograph a total solar eclipse. The eclipse occurs on 2 July, on a small, remote atoll
called Oeno Island that is part of the Pitcairn Island group. If weather permits, observers on Oeno will see the sun
entirely covered by the moon for nearly three minutes.
Otago Museum has unique connections with the Pitcairn Islands, having archaeological artefacts as well as parts of the
famous HMS Bounty (an 18th century ship whose crew mutinied, and who are the ancestors of many of today’s Pitcairn Islanders) in the
Museum collection.
Oeno Island is a remarkable setting for the eclipse and the occasion will be marked by the Pitcairn community’s official
launch of their International Dark Sky Sanctuary, which the Otago Museum staff are thrilled to be a part of.
The Pitcairn Islands lie in one of the world’s largest marine reserves and Mr Fleury is hoping to use this opportunity
to document the many species of plants, fish, birds and animals that live there.
“There are very few images of these from the Pitcairn Islands, and the photographs will serve as observational records
of any species that I can photograph while I am there,” said Mr Fleury as he prepared for the journey. Photographs and
videos of the eclipse and wildlife will be sent back to New Zealand as soon as there is internet access available.
Otago Museum is looking forward to discussing the Pitcairn Island’s contribution to their collection and consolidating
the special relationship it has with the territory. Museum Director Ian Griffin will be giving a talk about the Museum’s
Pitcairn material to the Islanders when he is on the Island.
ends