CAR becomes tourist destination for January 2010

The Central African Republic has more going for it than malnutrition and conflict. Even more than elephants and gorillas. It will be spoiled this year with an event not to be seen again until 3043. Curious?

The first significant astronomical event of the year takes place on 15 January, when an annular eclipse occurs over Africa, Asia and the Indian Ocean. An annular eclipse is one in which the Moon does not completely obscure the Sun and a thin ring of sunlight remains visible. Annular eclipses occur when the Moon is at its farthest point from the Earth. It can be seen in Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Maldives, south-eastern India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and central China, and will last between eight and 11 minutes, depending on location. This duration will not be exceeded again until the year 3043.

Check out the UK Independent for the rest of the article.