A rare solar eclipse is expected
to sweep across parts of the US, Africa and Europe on Sunday.
Described as a "hybrid
eclipse," some areas could witness a total blackout while others will
experience a partial version.
In Kenya, remote communities in
the north of the country are most likely to see the moon completely blocking
out the sun.
Members of the "Hands on
Universe" outreach project have been helping to spread the word in the
capital, Nairobi.
"We are trying to do a lot
of astronomy outreach now because there will be a total solar eclipse,"
said Susan Murabana, an astronomer with the group.
Tour companies have organized
trips to the north from Nairobi for enthusiasts hoping to catch the phenomenon.
Murabana said there are many
myths surrounding the event.
In Portugal, the hybrid eclipse
is expected to be partial.
The Astronomical Observatory of
Lisbon, part of the Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of
Lisbon, calculates the moon will cover between 10 to 23 percent of the sun.
However, in the Azores and over
Madeira island, the effect could be greater - 25 to 27 percent.
"Often, or mostly every
time, you will have either an annular solar eclipse (moon does not cover entire
sun) or a total solar eclipse," said Jose Afonso, Director of the Center
for Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Afonso added that it is a rare
event.
"Throughout your life time,
if you are living in the same place, perhaps you will be able to see once or
maybe twice a total solar eclipse. It's a very uncommon event for any given
place on Earth," he said.
Experts have warned people not to
look directly at the sun during the hybrid eclipse without taking safety
precautions.
AP
To watch Nicole Hajal's report, please click on the VIDEO above
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