Astrotourism Enjoy the Solar Eclipse in Chile

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A unique moment that will be repeated

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NATURAL SHOW
A Hybrid Solar Eclipse occurred for the last time in this area of ​​the planet 427 years ago and will be repeated in the year 2.165. An unmissable of astronomy in Chile! Most solar eclipses are partial, that is, the shadow of the earth covers only a part of the sunlight, however, a series of special conditions must be provided so that the elements are perfectly aligned and this type of solar eclipse occurs. the phenomenon, that thanks to the privileged conditions for astronomy in Chile, we can enjoy in great.

And it is that, according to the position of the stars, only a small strip of the earth will remain in the dark and the skies of northern Chile will be one of the few privileged spots that will see the sun in darkness in 100%, the rest of Chile will be able to see it partially.



AN UNMATCHED EVENT
total Solar Eclipse occurs when the apparent diameter of the moon is greater than that of the sun, blocking all direct sunlight, turning the day into darkness. And the Solar Eclipse in Chile that we will have on July 2 will take place in a narrow strip of 200 km. wide and will move from west to east. Experts agree that seeing a Total Sun Eclipse is one of nature's most dazzling natural events.

That is why the places that geographically are in the precise angle where it will be observed, such as the destinations of Antofagasta and Coquimbo, are prepared to receive all visitors who want to appreciate this phenomenon. Eye, it is not necessary to have a seat in the front row to enjoy astronomy in Chile, the sky and the sun will be available to all who come to the north of Chile. Moreover, it is expected the arrival of more than 350,000 tourists determined to enjoy the Solar Eclipse in Chile, and nobody wants to miss the unique show that will turn day into night for more than three minutes.



CHILE, THE WINDOW TO THE UNIVERSE
In 2017, it was publicly announced that Chile would be the world window of this singular phenomenon. Particularly, the ideal scenario will be in the valleys where the Atacama Desert is born, and where besides witnessing the long-awaited Solar Eclipse, you can enjoy a series of activities around astronomy. Throughout the national territory, you can see the Eclipse partially, from Arica, in the far north, it will be seen with 65% darkness. In the extreme south, you will see the sun with 46% darkness, and even on the island Rapa Nui you can also see the sun covered by the shadow of the moon.

The shadow band that reaches 100% darkness during the Solar Eclipse will extend between the town of Domeyko, in the Atacama, in the north to the town of Guanaqueros in the south.

WHERE TO GO TO SEE IT?
The Solar Eclipse of July 2 can be observed 100% mainly in the area of ​​Atacama and Coquimbo, regions known by large international telescopes that crown their hills. And it is there, where you can see more clearly how the moon completely covers the sun at about 4:39 pm.

The localities and towns where the Solar Eclipse will best be seen in Chile, with more than 96% darkness, will be Freirina, Vallenar, and Alto del Carmen in the Atacama, while in Coquimbo the communes of Andacollo, La Serena, Vicuña, and Paihuano in the Elqui Valley will be the privileged. Thanks to its pristine and clear skies, in the town of La Higuera and Río Hurtado it is expected that the visibility of the Solar Eclipse will reach 100%.

SATELLITE ACTIVITIES
Researchers, fans of astronomy in Chile, and the general public, attracted by this unique event, will be able to enjoy a great show that goes beyond the minutes that the Solar Eclipse lasts. In all the places in northern Chile where the long-awaited natural phenomenon will be seen, a series of complementary activities such as lectures, symposiums, concerts, and photography competitions around the Solar Eclipse are expected. The 50th anniversary of the La Silla Observatory, an activity organized by ESO (European Southern Observatory), will be held on July 2.

The event will bring together experts and fans from all over the world, who will not only visit the facilities of this scientific astronomy center but will also broadcast live the Eclipse for some countries of the European Union. Between June 30 and July 6, 2019, more than 300 astronomers from around the world will gather in the city of Copiapó for the meeting of the International Union of Professional Astronomers (IAU). A true brain meeting in the driest desert in the world!
Destinations that have a high capacity of tourist services for all budgets, and that are not only recognized as the epicenter of astrotourism in Chile, but also for its rich offer of services linked to gastronomy, wine tourism, and, especially, activities of leisure and relaxation with spa centers and alternative therapies.



ASTROTURISMO
In the mystical valleys of northern Chile, the earth especially connects with the sky. Since time immemorial, Astronomy in Chile has been part of the culture of the inhabitants of these lands. A relationship that pre-Hispanic peoples already knew, such as the Diaguitas, who sought answers to their great dilemmas by reading the stars. In recent years, Chile has become the "World Capital of Astronomy", thanks to foreign astronomical organizations, which have made large investments in the country, and which provides that Chile will gather 70% of the astronomical and infrared astronomical capacity world in the next 10 years and will host the largest telescope on the planet.

And it is that atmospheric and climatic conditions are propitious to observe and discover stars, planets, and galaxies, being a great contribution to science and world astronomy. However, we also seek to take advantage of the heavens and the knowledge of the experts so that everyone can learn about the mysteries and beauty of the cosmos. This is how the region seeks to reinvent itself by looking at its origins, through the enhancement of a quality tourism offer in which Astroturismo stands out, which basically consists of promoting various activities related to Astronomy in Chile. Dozens of observatories, scientists, tourists, and amateurs open their doors to teach about the fascinating world of stars, constellations, and the universe in general.