AUGUST 11, 1999
Because of some of the political difficulties involved the trip was touch-and-go until literally the last minute, but fortunately we were indeed able to go, and it was a trip that immensely touched all of us on the delegation. We viewed the eclipse -- in almost perfectly clear skies -- from a lakeside resort near the town of Chadegan (located approximately 130 km west-northwest of Esfahan) but, perhaps more importantly, we were able to meet and interact with the Iranian people. This included presentations at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences in Zanjan and at Lorestan University in Khorramabad, as well as numerous "people on the street" encounters. In all these instances we were deeply touched by the warmth and friendliness of the Iranian people. The Southwest Institute is proud and honored to have been a part of this demonstration that scientific events, such as solar eclipses, can be used to accomplish goals that go beyond science and that can benefit all of humanity.
During the trip itself this page served as a clearinghouse where we attempted (not always successfully) to upload updates and images in "real time." Now that the trip is in the past we will use this page as a place to store our reports, our thoughts, and some of our photographs. As you read through these please take some time to think of some ways that you, yourself, can make this a better world for all of us.
Search for Common Ground, who facilitated our contacts with our Iranian counterparts and who handled most of the administrative legwork that made the trip possible
The Zirakzadeh Science Foundation in Tehran, who invited us to Iran and who made all the necessary arrangements for our visit on the Iranian end
The Adib Astronomical Society in Esfahan, who made the arrangements for our eclipse viewing site in Chadegan
Rainbow Symphony, Inc. of Reseda, California, who donated 500 pairs of "eclipse glasses" for us to hand out to the Iranian citizens -- they were very popular!
Meade Instruments Corporation, who had agreed to provide telescope and imaging equipment for our trip. Because of some difficulties in shipping we ended up not being able to utilize these, however we would nevertheless like to recognize their contribution to our efforts.
Space Adventures, who helped us with our travel arrangements
The semi-regular updates to this page we submitted while in Iran
CNN.com's coverage of our expedition
Kidseclipse.com's coverage of our expedition, including a report by delegation member Stephanie Lester
The Zirakzadeh Science Foundation's report on the eclipse and our expedition
The Adib Astronomical Society's report on the eclipse, including a special feature on our expedition