The experiment was set up on a small island called"" in the river Ob, approx. 65km south form N`sk center.
"" (engl:: "Sacred Scarab"), represents a sun god(dess) from ancient egyptian mythology. This deity, in beetle format, is capable to move and roll the sun along the horizon. According to weather forcasts we could expect a cloud free sky next to the river, to guarantee a strong influence of a clear and well visible total solar eclipse.

foto:Ulla Taipale

6 am - 11 am:
Transportation of 13 moon geese, crew and equipment from the zoo to the island "Sacred Scarab" The shipment to the island took two rides with a more than fully packed speed boat from A. Tchougainov. Strong winds urged us to hurry.
foto:Ulla Taipale

before the transport to the island, from left to the right: AMB, zoo director Rostislaw Shilo and Alexandra Deribas, Foto:Ulla Taipale

Subjects of transportation:
•  13 moon geese and cages
•  1 chair
•  flight construction and harnesses
•  lines and robes
•  weather station
•  flight suit
•  2 cameramen with camera equipment
•  2 geese protectors and zoologists
•  photographer
•  parachutist
•  geese and crew catering
•  miscellaneous tools
•  two cars and drivers stayed waiting on the river coast

Experiment setting up: A chair is standing on a field / empty landscape with free view especially to the west and east axis. 13 moon geese will be harnessed for a possible lift airborne. The experimentator in safety suit will sit seat belt fastened in the chair. In case of a possible take off the chair is fully equipped with necessary survival package and instruments to collect relevant data and meteorological observations such as temperature, light intensity (luxmeter) and wind occurence (anemometer) at the same time.(Foto:Ulla Taipale)
Genad Deribas sitting on flooded chair (foto: AMB)
Lines and space / parachute suit (foto: AMB)

Ulla Taipale with eclipse glasses( foto:AMB)

After a short acclimatization phase on the island the geese have been peaceful and enjoyed the water during the whole set up. The wind was continuously strong, causing severe difficulties during the entire time. The originally planned take off place got flooded.

A last minute decision made us move the chair with flight construction along with the already harnessed geese to a clear spot of sand several meters upstream the Ob.

Genad Deribas with V-flight construction (foto: AMB)

Moon geese attached to the V-flight construction, waiting and washing themselves (foto: AMB)

Chair equipped with weather station / instruments to collect relevant data and meteorological observations.(Foto:Ulla Taipale)

AMB setting up weather instruments (Foto:Ulla Taipale)
Flooded setting (foto: AMB)