On March 29, 2007, the first total solar eclipse of the 21st century will occur over the territory of Russia. Residents in the regions of North Caucasus, Northern Afghanistan, and Altai (Russia) will have a clear view of the total solar eclipse.
The path of visibility for the eclipse stretches from the coast of Brazil across the Atlantic Ocean, northern Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, and then into Turkey and the Black Sea region.
Total solar eclipses are a very rare natural phenomenon. During a total solar eclipse, the dark disk of the moon can be seen perfectly overlapping the sun in a dimmed sky. However, this phenomenon can only be observed when the sky is clear.
In ancient times, when this phenomenon occurred, people were filled with fear. They believed that the light surrounding the dark disk of the sun was a dragon’s tongue swallowing the sun. As a result, they sought every means to drive it away. This belief led ancient people to shout, shoot arrows, and beat drums loudly to chase it off during an eclipse.
The path of totality in Russia extends from 100 to 200 km. This includes the areas of Karachay-Cherkessia, Kislovodsk, and the Kabardino-Balkaria region. Outside of this area, the eclipse can only be seen partially; in the city of Saint Petersburg, only half of the eclipse will be visible.
Duy Khanh
