medcom.id, Jakarta: Indonesia will witness total solar eclipse on March 9, 2016. Similar natural phenomenon happened in the country on June 11, 1983.
At the time, the eclipse passed through Java, Sulawesi and Papua while this year it will pass trough Sumatra, Kalimantan and Maluku.
"It will occur in Sumatra, Bangka, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, said Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (Lapan) Thomas Djamaludin.
Total solar eclipse has different interval for each region. It will only happen once every 388 years in the same location but it could happen once every 18 months in different location.
"Total solar eclipse in 1983 has longest duration in the 20th century at 5 minutes 13 seconds. It was a rare occurence for people in Java," stated astronomy expert from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) Karlina Supelli, who was part of TVRI's coverage in 1983.
Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (Lapan) in its official website mentions this year's eclipse will be shorter than in 1983.
In 1983, the government warned public to stay at home during the eclipse. They falsely believed the eclipse will harm public's health. The sun ray from the eclipse was considered hazardous for the eye.
"The correct fact is the sun ray emitted during eclipse is the same with sun in the daily basis," explained Thomas.
However, the government this year widely promotes the eclipse and urges public to witness it. "It will correct government's action in 1983 where people were wrongly taught not to watch the eclipse and stay at home. It was a huge mistake. Therefore, we advise people to watch it with special goggle," mentioned Vice President Jusuf Kalla.
Three decades ago, many people also still believed myths around the eclipse "Now, please advise our friends and colleagues that is great attraction," mentioned Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.
Cek Berita dan Artikel yang lain di Google News
