Solar eclipse frenzy fuels astronomical tourism in Chile
SCIENCE NEWS JUNE 7, 2019 / 4:27 PM / A DAY AGO
Solar eclipse frenzy fuels astronomical tourism in Chile
2 MIN READ
LA SERENA, Chile (Reuters) - The total solar eclipse expected in northern Chile early next month is already drawing flocks of visitors eager to glimpse a rare view of the phenomenon through the region’s clear skies.
In Coquimbo, a region spanning the Pacific coast and the Andes, tourism demand has already eclipsed offerings of some services, forcing hotels there to put up signs warning they have no rooms left by the July 2 event.
Flights to Coquimbo offered by Chile’s LATAM Airlines as well as budget carriers Sky and JETSMART are being snapped up, as a clock in the coastal town of La Serena in Coquimbo counts down to the big day.
“People have gone mad. They want the day to come as soon as possible,” local resident Patricia said about the frenzy.
Together with parts of Argentina and New Zealand, northern Chile is one of the few places in the world that will be directly facing the sun when the moon passes in front of the earth, blocking its light completely and darkening skies for several minutes.
More:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-solar-eclipse-chile/solar-eclipse-frenzy-fuels-astronomical-tourism-in-chile-idUSKCN1T82GB?rpc=401&
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https://www.accuweather.com/en/cl/coquimbo/53362/weather-forecast/53362
