What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
During a total solar eclipse, the moon travels in between the sun and the earth in such a way that the moon blocks the entire sun. Since the moon is acually a lot smaller than the sun, a total solar eclipse is only visible from a small geographic area. It's all about the angle you're viewing the eclipse from. During an eclipse the sky darkens in the middle of the day and you can even see stars as well as the outer edge of the sun.The Weather in Africa on 29 March, 2006
In order to see a total solar eclipse you want to head for the country with the clearest skies in March. Luckily the University of Manitoba has a detailed analysis on what the weather could be (it's never an exact science after all). Probabilities are calculated based on past years, dust and pollution in the air, cloud cover, rainstorms and so on. As far as I understand, Libya is the winner given the country's penchant for sunny skies in March.
Eye Safety While Viewing a Total Solar Eclipse
You can burn your retinas beyond repair if you do not take some basic precautions while viewing a solar eclipse. Sunglasses will not do, they don't offer the right protection. But strangely enough a roll of developed black and white film works nicely. If you are joining a tour you will no doubt be given the right eye gear. But if you're on your own, you can use the following to protect your eyes:
- Welders Goggles
- Specially designed solar filters
- Pinhole Camera
Once the sun is totally blocked by the moon, it is safe to watch without protection. It's just before and after that the damage can occur. For more information see NASA's report on observing eclipses safely.
Taking photos of the Solar Eclipse
Solar eclipses can be photographed provided that basic eye safety precautions are followed first (see above). Almost any kind of camera with manual controls can be used to capture this rare event. However, a zoom lens is recommended to produce as large an image of the Sun as possible. NASA has more information on how to take photos (and video) of a total solar eclipse.
Solar Eclipse Tours
Several tour companies have set up special trips with astronomers as guides. The best Solar Eclipse Tours to Africa in 2006 include:- Tusker Trails, 11 Day Tour, Ghana. This tour is led by a renowned astronomer and a veteran safari guide. The solar eclipse will be viewed with tribal elders from a plateau in Ho, Ghana. The event will be celebrated with local singing, dancing and drumming.
- [http://www.africaguide.com/culture/2006.htm]Solar Eclipse Tour in Libya[/link]. The Libyan Sahara is probably the best place to view the solar eclipse. This tour lasts 8 days and you get to see the eclipse at the eighth Wonder of the World, the volcanic Waw an Namus crater.
- Sahara Eclipse Trek, Niger. This tour involves a 12 day trek through the remote Tenere desert in Niger where you'll get to experience the Touareg way of life. Half way through the trip you can get to experience the total eclipse of the sun, with your camel, for 4 minutes in the desert dunes.
- Solar Eclipse Tour in Egypt. This is a 9 day tour led by British astronomers who will discuss the astronomical skills of the Pharaohs, the Ptolemies and Islamic scholars. You'll get to watch the eclipse in the desert at the best viewing point in Egypt.
- Eclipse Tours to Libya, Ghana, Tunisia and Egypt: Explore is a UK based travel company that's offering tours to all the major eclipse destinations. Most tours last 8-15 days and are very reasonably priced. An 8 day solar eclipse tour through Ghana costs USD 1260 (land only).
- North Africa Eclipse Cruise from Travelquest an excellent specialized travel company. The cruise will begin in Malaga, Spain and end in Athens, Greece. Ports of call will incude the amazing ruins of Leptis Magna, Carthage and Cyrene.
