| Solar Eclipse Attracts International Interest |
|
|
| Written by Administrator | |
| Thursday, June 12, 2008. | |
|
By S.Oyundelger Interest in this year’s rare total solar eclipse is high, although the tourism industry remains cautious about whether it will dramatically boost numbers. The eclipse, which will black out skies in western Mongolia for several minutes on August 1, has led many tour companies to provide packages for tourists. Director of the Tourism Department of MRTT, E.Battulga, said that the rare spectacle has gained the interest of foreigners particularly. “We are expecting the number of tourists coming to Mongolia will increase this summer to see solar eclipse 2008. “Many Mongolian tour companies are providing tourists with tour packages including this rare event,” he said. Some tourism operators have expressed caution at the optimism, however, following an eclipse in 1997 that failed to deliver the expected number of tourists. They have warned that tourists often find the expense and distance required to see the skies darken as a barrier. In this year’s case, the eclipse will be clearest from Mongolia’s most remote aimags, Bayan-Olgii and Khovd. A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, completely obscuring the sun. It will only be visible from a narrow corridor through northern Canada, the northern part of Russia, western Mongolia and China – all areas that experience the so-called midnight sun, when the sun remains visible at night. Tour companies also intend to promote the traditional legends associated with the phenomena. Lecturer of Mongolian National University Dr Dulam explained this phenomenon according to an ancient Indian legend. “Once upon a time Rahu (enemy of sky) stole immortal water and absconded away. Indra god chased him and as he passed the sun and moon he asked, ‘Where did Rahu go?’ “They told him where he went. Indra caught him and shot him. Rahu’s body then divided into two parts. “Since then, Rahu has sought revenge against the sun and moon and swallows them once a while. “However, because he has been split into two, the son and moon quickly escape.” Dr Dulam also mentioned an old Mongolians saying that “If you pray with Lama Mani during a sun eclipse, the blessings will be multiplied by a billion. “In order to rid Rahu, Mongolians have some rituals to do during an eclipse: to make their dog bark (specially a four-eyed banhar), to make any three year old child cry, to fire a gun, and to make noise using kitchenware,” Dr Dulam said. The next total solar eclipse will occur on July 22, 2009. It will be visible from a narrow corridor through northern India, eastern Nepal, Bhutan and central China. |
Navigation
| Home |
| Subscribe |
| About Us |
| Contact Us |
| CLASSIFIEDS >> |
| Tender Bids |
| Jobs |
| Links |
| Blog |
| Spanish version |
| Italian version |
BANNER
Front page
Subscribe
ELECTRONIC EDITION
An exact digital copy of The UB Post, delivered directly to your PC without delay.
3 months for only $20.00
Exchange Rate
 Dollar |
1301.80 |
 Rouble |
42.44 |
 Yuan |
191.65 |
 Won |
1.09 |
 Yen |
15.29 |
 Euro |
1657.45 |
 Pound |
2026.71 |
Source ww.mongolbank.mn
Restaurant Reviews
Where, in this land of Buuz and khuushuurs, can one find a decent
burger, eith...
South of Peace Avenue next to the Master foods supermarket on Seoul
Street is ...
Not the ‘my neighbor drove over my cat, how can I get revenge?’ kind of
drama,...
Vacancy Notice
Position: Journalist/TranslatorWe urgently require Mongolian national only. Please submit your letter of interest along with your CV/Resume, and letter of reference from your previous employer no later than January 30, 2010 to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
