SOLAR ECLIPSE EXPECTED TO BRING THOUSANDS OF EXTRA VISITORS TO REUNION IN SEPTEMBER
(Posted 06th March 2016)
On the 01st of September 2016 Reunion will be ringside location to observe an astronomical event out of the ordinary: an annular eclipse of the Sun will plunge much of the island into twilight darkness for more than three hours!
A press conference was held this morning at Kaz Unusual, a new ecotourism accommodation facility with transparent bubbles, ideally located at Makes for a view of the annular solar eclipse of 01st September.
Press conference Kaz UnusualAmong the best places on Earth where one can watch the annular eclipse of 2016 safely is the island of Reunion. The location was chosen by the astronomers of the Observatoire de Paris Meudon to be the place of official observation of this exceptional event.
On September 01st, between 12:20 ET to 3:40 p.m., the moon will eclipse the sun. From 2:10 p.m. onwards most of the island will end up under a twilight sky as the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun which will leave the sun in the sky as a fire ring for over three hours.
On that occasion, thousands of spectators are expected on the island as there are close to 10,000 eclipse chasers who are listed in the world! The best observation is on the southwest coast of the island between the tip of the Pit at Salt Pond and St. Peter’s beaches where the natural phenomenon will be the most stunning for those lucky enough to see this ‘show‘ live.
The total or annular solar eclipses are rare events for a given location. For the island of Reunion, the last visible total eclipse occurred in 1901. Beyond the annular eclipse of 1 September 2016 it will not be until the year 2200 that one is happening again and the year 2267 for another total eclipse to be seen from this island. Therefore, the event of 01st September 2016 should certainly leave an impression!
The town dedicated to this eclipse is Etang du Gol where solar ring will be the most visible. To accommodate the observers from around the world, everything will be put in place to ensure their comfort and safety. This will make it possible to observe the astronomical phenomenon through the provision of mobile instruments of the Observatory of Makes and / or watch it on a large HD projection screen. Special protective eyeshades will be available on site so tha noone has to miss the show! For those who own their own observation equipment, it will be possible to book a place via the Observatory of Makes.
What better way than to choose this unique event coming to (re) discover the island of Reunion! The entire island is preparing for an unforgettable moment and to benefit world travelers with a memorable getaway on the island has Reunion Island Tourism and tour operator created special deals for the eclipse.
- Eclipse in Reunion and Creole hiking with Huwans Clubaventure
- Eclipse in Reunion and stay at Saint Alexis Hotel & Spa Footprint with s
- Eclipse in Reunion and stay at Palm Hotel & Spa with Footprints
- Special Autotour eclipse in Reunion with Footprints
During the period of the eclipse, the Observatory at Makes has organized special evenings dedicated to the observation of the stars :
- For the general public : Visit the 22, 24, 26, 29 August and 2 September at 21h, to enjoy an outdoor slide for identifying the major constellations visible in the sky, followed until midnight of an observation instrument.
- For experts: go 23, 25, 27, August 30 and September 3 for observation evenings at the card.
For more information, contact the Observatory Makes email: obs.astronomique
Makes astronomical observatory
In a related development was Kaz Unusual, a brand new ecotourism facility inaugurated on 01st March.
Kaz Unusual’s offers guest to spend a night in one of its four transparent bubbles, mounted on stilts and located in the heart of the forest of the Makes . This is an opportunity to enjoy the charm of a night under the stars. This project was completed last week after three years of planning and construction, from design to commissioning, and was designed to minimize the ‘environmental impact.
Kaz unusuaTo mark the occasion and a unique experience on the occasion of the solar eclipse, Kaz Unusual offers a tailor-made program for the day of September 01st.
- A temporary exhibition on the eclipse (history, effects on wildlife …) will be held on the site
- Presence of a specialist / facilitator during the afternoon and evening to comment and explain the event
- An unusual menu special for the evening dinner
- A special evening astronomy with telescope viewing and video
