Annular Solar Eclipse: A spectacular show in our sky

A rare astronomical phenomenon took place in our skies on Thursday. Mauritius had the opportunity to observe an annular solar eclipse after 115 years. Young and old, everyone was mobilised to live the once in a life time event including personalities such as Lady Sarojini Jugnauth, the Minister of Education and the Minister of Gender Equality. 

Mauritians around the island were thrilled to observe the spectacular phenomenon of the annular solar eclipse this Thursday September 1. A rare phenomenon happening in the island after 115 years, the eclipse was visible between 12h27 and 15h44. The three-hour show gathered young and old as well eminent personalities at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre.

Indeed, since early morning on Thursday, people queued up at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre to be in the front rows to view the exceptional show in our sky. The rush of hundreds and hundreds of people caused a major traffic jam in Bell Village and around. In front of the centre, ice cream sellers and cake sellers among others also gathered. The solar eclipse was a boon for them. Adults, children and teens on their part had to wait long in the queue to be able to observe the eclipse in the telescopes. 

An exceptional event for science as well, it was an opportunity for the Rajiv Science Centre to promote science and astronomy, especially among the youth.  The centre had indeed put at the disposal of the public several telescopes equipped with solar filters in the courtyard as well as special glasses to observe the eclipse. The centre also presented an exhibition on astronomy and film screening on solar eclipses. The special glasses were also on sale since early morning. However, some members of the public complained that there were not enough glasses on sale. Some tension even rose but everything got back to normal as the event was approaching. 

News on Sunday met several persons who shared their feelings about this once in a lifetime event. Steve, aged 20, anAmerican student in Mauritius since two years confided that the event is simply mesmerizing. “I have never seen something like that before. Its beautiful and I’ll never forget it.” Student at Triolet SSS, Shabaz said that he waited the end of school to come at the centre to observe the phenomenon.  “I have heard that pregnant woman have to take precautions when there is an eclipse. Teachers at school told us that we must be careful and not observe the eclipse without the special glasses as it would harm our eyes. I came at the centre so as to observe the eclipse through the telescopes. I am happy to get the chance to live such an event,” he uttered. 

We also met Vanessa Moothoosawmy, mother of Nilsen, aged 9. Accompanied by her two little nieces Thanshika and Yuvshika aged 9 and 6 respectively, and her husband, the mother confided that she did not go to work in order to take her son and her nieces to live the exceptional event. “My son Nilsen is excited. He has been expecting this event since last week. He has been talking about this day and night and he even went on the internet to do some research. He is really fascinated by the eclipse and astronomy in general. As no special activity was planned at his school, I decided not to go to work in order to take him at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre. It was a must for me as parent to give my child the opportunity to live such an event,” she stated. 

Kathleen Fox, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S Embassy also shared her feelings. “This is my first time seeing an eclipse and it is absolutely stunning. I have never experienced anything like that before. When I put the glasses on and looked up it was just incredible. I have to congratulate the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre because they’ve put together a great event here. It’s wonderful to see so many people lined up to look through the telescopes and see this. The old and young, girls and boys, everyone is just fascinated by it. It’s truly a lifetime experiment.”

Around 2 pm, we could observe that the atmosphere became dusky and there was a little chill in the air. At exactly 2.13 pm, which was the peak of the eclipse when the moon hid the sun’s surface at 92%, all eyes were up in the sky. A beautiful solar ring was visible. The show took people’s breath away. 

The phenomenon was also observed in Reunion Island, Madagascar and other parts of the African continent. The last such eclipse in the region took place in 1901. An eclipse is visible in a place on an average of every 300 years and two to three times per year in different parts of the earth. We should expect another solar eclipse in year 2095. And it is in 2,328 that the sun’s surface will be completely hidden by the Moon. 

Lady Sarojini Jugnauth

Lady Sarojini Jugnauth, wife of the Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth, said that “It’s a big event. It’s not something that takes place everyday. We are here to observe what nature offers us. It’s simply exceptional and I haven’t seen such a phenomenon before. This is a memorable event for not only me but for all Mauritians. Also since the time the media has been reporting on the eclipse, it was an experience not to be missed. I was attentive to precautions to be taken and I followed the debates on the subject with great interest.”

Aurore Perraud

The Minister of Gender Equality, Mrs Aurore Perraud said that “It’s something historical for us. I came to the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre with my two children so as not to miss this phenomenon. I am also delighted to see hundreds and hundreds of Mauritians gathered here, especially parents and their children. I must say it is very good that parents have realised that it is an important event. It is also an educational event for children to learn more about astronomy.” 

Leela Devi-Dookhun

The Minister of Education, Mrs Leela Devi-Dookhun said that “It is an exceptional phenomenon. It is very good that many of us have had the opportunity to observe it. I was a little bit worried that the eclipse would not be that visible due to the cloudy and rainy weather. I am really glad of having had the chance to observe it myself. I still remember when I was in Form II, a teacher explained the phenomenon using balloons. I am also delighted to see so many children and young people at the centre.”  

Dr Jayantee Naugah

Dr Jayantee Naugah, the President of the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre told News on Sunday that “Since last year we have been doing many activities to promote science amongst our youth. This phenomenon is an opportunity for us to teach our youngsters about astronomy. I am very satisfied that children around the island have been sensitised about the event through teachers whom were have trained in August. Also, the big crow at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre also shows that the mentality of Mauritian people has evolved. It’s good to see that science has prevailed over superstition.”