Since 2006 astronomers have predicted a solar Eclipse which will be visible in Atlantic and African areas on 3rd November 2013. Iwacu has met Dr Pierre Nzohabonayo, Expert in Astronomy and Lecturer at the University of Burundi in the Faculty of Science and Physics Department.
An Interview– By Lorraine – Josiane Manishatse
Dr Pierre Nzohabonayo Expert in Astronomy, Lecturer at the University of Burundi-Faculty of Science-Physics Department.©Iwacu
What do you mean by Solar Eclipse?
A solar Eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun. If the moon covers the disk of the sun completely, the eclipse is a total solar eclipse. If the moon covers only a part of the sun, the eclipse is a partial eclipse. During a particular solar eclipse, people in one place on Earth may see a total eclipse, while people only in a few hundred kilometers away see a partial eclipse.
Then, will Burundians see a total or partial eclipse?
The solar Eclipse of 3rd November 2013 will be visible in Atlantic and in Africa. In Burundi, it will be seen as a partial eclipse. In Kirundo it will be visible at 80% whereas in Bujumbura it will be seen at 76%. In other African countries like Congo, Uganda, Kenya and Somalia they’ll observe a total eclipse.
How do we watch Solar Eclipse?
During a partial phase, the part of the sun remains visible and it is hazardous to look at the eclipse without protection. In fact, the sun is a bit less dangerous than usual during an eclipse because one part of a brilliant surface is covered by the moon. But an eclipse is dangerous in that it can tempt people to look at the sun directly and burn their eyes. The safest and simplest way to observe partial phases of a solar eclipse is to use pinhole projection. Poke a small pinhole in a sheet of cardboard. Hold the sheet with the hole in sunlight and allow light to pass through the hole to a second sheet of cardboard. People should also put on adequate glasses or they can also watch through water. One can put a basin containing water outside and observes into it. It is clearly visible.
What consequences can have a Solar Eclipse?
Normally, there isn’t any consequence caused by a solar eclipse. But in case of a total eclipse, the last silver of the sun’s bright surface disappears, dark falls in a few seconds. Automatic streetlights come on, car drivers’ switch on their headlights and birds go to roost.
What is your point of view about Burundian mentality on Solar Eclipse?
Solar Eclipse’s interpretation varies from one society to another. Burundians consider it as a curse event because it coincides with Mwezi Gisabo’s reign characterized by bad things. It is the same case for Muslims who often pray to God continuously during Eclipse times until the end. They have been very much affected by the death of Mahomet‘s son which coincided with the Solar Eclipse; the reason why they are afraid of that event.
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