The two areas, according to astronomy
experts, are the best sites for viewing the rare event in which the
sun’s disk will change to a ring.
Experts say that the next eclipse in
Tanzania is expected to occur after 15 years, thus this global
astronomical event is expected to attract a number of scientists,
researchers, celebrities and eclipse chasers within and outside the
country.
The regional commissioners of the two
regions in which the fascinating event will take place have guaranteed
security for both local and international guests who will be visiting
the areas.
Mbeya Regional Commissioner (RC) Mr Amos
Makalla told the ‘Daily News’ yesterday that important measures have
been put in place to ensure that people who will be visiting Rujewa in
Mbarali District are safe and have access to basic needs from the area.
“Since this historical event will
attract local and international visitors, the regional government has
taken initiatives to upgrade infrastructures at the area to allow the
visitors to enjoy their tour,” Mr Makalla said.
He called upon students across the
country to visit Rujewa and witness the historical event which will be
useful in their studies. “Students have been learning about solar
eclipse theoretically, thus this event is an important opportunity for
them to witness how it occurs.”
Mr Makalla noted that the last solar
eclipse occurred in the country in 1977 while after the September 1
event the next solar eclipse will be expected to take place in 2035.
“The regional leadership is committed to ensure that this event is
successful and people returned to their homes safely,” Mr Makalla
insisted.
On her part, Njombe Regional
Commissioner (RC), Dr Rehema Nchimbi, said that although there have been
several events of solar eclipse, but experts describe the one to take
place today as historical, because the moon will cover the sun’s disk by
between 95 per cent and 99 per cent.
“Although the solar eclipse will also be
witnessed in other few areas, experts have identified Wang’ing’ombe in
my region and Rujewa in Mbeya as the sites where solar eclipse will be
clearly witnessed,” Ms Nchimbi said.
She said that her region has taken
measures to create friendly environment for both local and international
visitors including their safety. The RC said that as part of promoting
domestic tourism, her office in collaboration with other authorities in
the region had also conducted campaigns to attract more Tanzanians
including students to take part in witnessing the astronomical
phenomenon.
According to Tanzania Tourist Board
(TTB), the annual solar eclipse will occur from 10:17am to 1:56pm where
people in Tanzania will witness first-hand the sun go evening-dim at
midday as more than 90 per cent of the sun will be covered by the moon
in a partial solar eclipse leaving the sun as a thin crescent.
TTB said the annual eclipse will be seen
as a thin bright ring for hundreds of thousands of people living within
a 100 kilometre band crossing Southern Tanzania from Congo into Katavi,
Mbeya, Ruvuma, to Masasi and out to Mozambique.
Addressing reporters recently, the TTB
Acting Managing Director, Mr Philip Chitaunga, said the unique event is
crucial for the board to market tourists attractions in the country,
particularly in the Southern Highlands. He said that the event can be
exploited by students and teachers to learn about the occurrence of
annual solar eclipses, which is taught theoretically in schools
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