Message #159646

[Bianca]

'Astro-tourist' influx



Total solar eclipses usually take place about once every 18 months, and always at new Moon - when the lunar body sits directly between the Sun and the Earth.

So, all of a sudden Taregna, some 35km (22 miles) from the state capital, Patna, has shot into limelight - some 20,000 "astro-tourists" and scientists from all over the world are expected to congregate here on the day of the eclipse.


 
"We do not wish to miss this rare opportunity"

Suraj Kumar



Local authorities are excited by Taregna's new-found status. Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said he will be visiting the town on the day of the eclipse.

"I have already instructed the officials to make proper arrangement for visitors at Taregna," says Mr Kumar.

Authorities have chosen three to four locations in Taregna from where people can view the eclipse.

St Mary School is one of them.

"We are very excited that Taregna has been chosen as the place for the best view of the solar eclipse. So we are teaching our school students about eclipses and how to view them after taking precautions," science teacher Ms Mamata says.

The village is being spruced up to receive all the tourists and scientists.

Approach roads are being repaired, drains are being cleaned and faulty electric wires are being replaced.

Many hotels in Patna have been booked in advance by people coming into town for the eclipse.