Gujarat Tourism welcomes tourists to experience total Solar eclipse

It is interesting to know that the Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon and about 400 times farther away. However, it would be more interesting to experience that the small moon will hide the entire sun and keep the people dark in the daytime. This is the mystery of Solar Eclipse and such a spectacular show is happening on the sky on 22nd July 2009 with a humble begin from the west-coast city of the country, Surat in Gujarat. The path of the Moon’s shadow begins from Surat City which is in the centre of the totality.

The Government of Gujarat has made elaborate arrangements to popularizing the solar eclipse among children, students and community members across the state and the country and to make a tourism event for one and all. The Department of Tourism, Department of Science & Technology and the District Administration of Surat are working together in identifying various eclipse viewing places and out reach programmes and activities for understanding eclipse and appreciating science and culture.

Gujarat Tourism has made all arrangements to become the host in Surat for domestic and international tourists , scientists, students who are interested to witness the Total Solar Eclipse on July 22,2009 which will first be visible in Surat which is second largest city of Gujarat. Total Solar Eclipse is estimated to be the longest eclipse in the 21st century as it will last for 6 minutes 38 seconds at the point of maximum eclipse. At Surat, it will be visible from 6.21 a.m. for about four minutes.

Addressing the press conference in Delhi, Dr. Kishor Rao D, Secretary (Tourism) and Shri Prem Kumar Gera, Resident Commissioner said that it is expected that large number of tourists will be coming to Surat to view Solar Eclipse. Surat District Administration with the support of Department of Tourism, Department of Science & Technology, Surat Municipal Corporation, Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry as well as Hotel & Restaurant Association has made elaborate arrangements to encourage local public viewing of this celestial event. Surat will be best location for viewing of solar eclipse, they added.

This time the Total Solar Eclipse will be first time originating Gulf of Cambay in Surat. Around 200 tourists and Eclipse chasers across the country are registering their program with local administration Surat. The Tourists will be accommodated in local host without any charges in concept of “Athithi Devo Bhava”.

Gujarat is witnessing a unique and spectacular astronomical event of the 21st century. This is the much awaited Total Solar Eclipse to be observed on 22nd July 2009 within a narrow corridor that traverses half of the Earth. In India, the solar eclipse will be seen on 22nd July 2009 from early morning 05:28 hrs to 07:40 hrs (Indian Standard Time). The total solar eclipse will last nearly four minutes — from 6.26 am to 6.30 am — in India and the sun will not be visible at all.

This solar eclipse is the longest total solar eclipse that will occur in the twenty-first century, and will not be surpassed in duration until next 123 years, i.e., June 13, 2132. Totality will last for up to 6 minutes and 39 seconds.

The Department of Science & Technology through the Gujarat Science City and Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST) has organized several training and awareness programmes for total solar eclipse with various interactive activity kits for this programme. All activities are aims to understand eclipse and appreciate science in the society. In addition, there are radio, television and interactive sessions have been arranged.

Scientists from premier scientific institutions including Physical Research Laboratory, Space Applications Centre of ISRO are joined in the campaign and orienting the students and teachers about the scientific significance of the celestial events. About 200 scientists and science communicators will be present in and around Surat City on the Eclipse day and to interact with the visitors as well as local school and college students.

“For everybody, the eclipse is a unique opportunity to admire and celebrate the beauty and inspiration of the celestial experience. Gujarat is inviting one and all to witness this spectacular astronomical event in Surat and to feel the warmth of hospitality, resurgent and cosmopolitan city with the hub of gems and Jewellary, diamond and culture in the state,” Tourism Secretary concluded.