Total solar eclipse expected in Indonesia

                                                                                          (C)NASA

Thousands of skygazers and astronomy lovers are already flocking to Indonesia ahead of a rare total solar eclipse which is expected tomorrow, March 9. The eclipse which has been internationally promoted as a tourist attraction since 2014, would see people experiencing the rare total solar eclipse. The phenomenon, which occurs when the moon moves directly between the earth and sun, begins at 6:20 AM Wednesday, March 9 local time (11:20 PM GMT Tuesday, March 8). According to NASA, the moon will black out the sun over Indonesia's main western island of Sumatra, before moving across Sulawesi and Borneo, and then over to the Maluku Islands. Viewers will be treated to a beautiful halo effect as the earth, sun and moon align. Special events have been organised all over Indonesia on the day of the eclipse, including festivals and boat tours. Hotels in the prime viewing spots were fully booked weeks ago, and officials in one city have scrambled to find more space for tourists on boats.