On 29th of March 2006 a total solar eclipse will be visible at the North Western corner of Egypt at the border town to Libya El Saloum. With 70% probability of sunshine and sandstorms unlikely to come at This time of the year, there is good chance to watch the shadow of the moon crossing The earth, which takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. The total eclipse is caused by the moon passing directly between the sun and the earth. At 12:38h the total eclipse will begin and will last for nearly 4 minutes ! The shadow of the moon is called “umbra“ and the halo of the sun is called “ corona”.

Map of the Western Desert
*The corridor of the umbra on the map of Western Egypt Eclipses were recognized and forecast by the ancient Egyptians as well by other sun centered cultures like the Mayas and Aztecs. It may be the most spectacular space event to be seen by humans.  Also you may see it only once in a life time, as there are only 70 eclipses per century * You can of see the path of totality in the picture below. The Bedouin inhabiting the Oasis of the Western Desert traditionally gathered on the street during a lunar eclipse. They beat drums and watts to scare of the shadow as it was thought to be a bad omen.

Path of the Total Eclipse

 

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