Mark your calendars! On the 1st September 2016, you will witness a spectacular natural event in the South of Mauritius: an annular solar eclipse. What is an eclipse? What is the best place and the best time to observe it? We asked an astronomer, and here are the answers.
Can you tell us what a solar eclipse is?
In a solar eclipse, the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun in such way that they form a perfect line. It happens at the new moon. Technically speaking, there should be a solar eclipse once every month, but since the Moon has a slightly inclined orbit, perfect alignment with the Sun only occurs twice a year.
What is an annular solar eclipse?
This September, the Moon will indeed pass in front of the Sun, but its shadow will not be wide enough to occult the Sun completely. In such case, a luminous crown appears around the Moon, creating a fascinating sight.
What is the best spot to observe the eclipse in Mauritius?
The annular eclipse will be visible throughout the island, but I recommend the North, West and South coasts. Avoid the central plateau and the East coast.
At what time will it reach its climax?
In Mauritius, it will be a partial, not a total, solar eclipse. It will last 3 hours and 17 minutes, from 12:27 to 15:44, and will culminate at 14:30 with a 95% sun coverage.
Which precautions should be taken to watch the eclipse?
You must never look directly at the Sun. There are many safe methods to watch an eclipse, such as using special solar filters (like the famous eclipse viewers), a pinhole or a mirror to reflect sunlight into a bucket of water.
Is that a rare phenomenon?
Solar eclipses occur twice a year. But since the Moon’s shadow covers a small surface within a 50-km radius on Earth, only a small portion of the planet will witness a total solar eclipse. Yet, the population in many countries, like Mauritius, will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse on the 1st September. There also are two lunar eclipses every year.
How come the Moon completely occults the Sun?
That is pure coincidence, given the fact that the Moon is 400 times smaller than the Sun and at a distance of 400,000 km from Earth, while the Sun is 1,392,000 km across and 15 million kilometres away from Earth.
Can we really see other planets during a solar eclipse?
It is possible during a total solar eclipse, although it only lasts two to three minutes. However, this is more difficult in a partial eclipse, like the one we expect on the 1st of September.
Do eclipses impact on nature, animals or even human beings?
During total eclipses, animals follow their instinct and, in some way, they go to “sleep”. No impact has been proven on human beings until now!
When will the next eclipses take place?
Here is a date reminder:
– 21st August 2017: the eclipse will move across the United States from West to East.
– 2nd July 2019: across South America.
– 4th December 2021: total solar eclipse across the Antarctic.
Now that you have learnt more on the matter, why not discover this fascinating phenomenon while staying in one of our Heritage Resorts, located at the heart of Mauritius’ southern coast, where the solar eclipse will be the most spectacular, or even spend the day chilling at the beach whilst enjoying the facilities of our Beach Club.
Heritage Resorts
Infos and bookings :
T. +230 266 9736
E. resa@heritageresorts.mu
C Beach Club
Bel Ombre
T. +230 622 1174
E. info@cbeachclub.mu
