Experience The Best Ever Solar Eclipse 2016 in Palembang, South Sumatera.

 City and Time of Total Solar Eclipse in Indonesia (@hariankompas)

The total solar eclipse will take place on March 9, 2016, and can be seen from 11 provinces in Indonesia including South Sumatra. It is not only an attraction for Indonesia itself, but also for foreign tourists to come and witness the total solar eclipse in Indonesia. 

The eclipse can be seen from the province of West Sumatra, Bengkulu, Jambi, South Sumatra, Bangka Belitung, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, West Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and North Maluku.

The best location of viewing in South Sumatra is Palembang. The capital city of South Sumatera will be covered by sun eclipse for over 1 minute 51 second. The  eclipse will start at around 07:20:50 and end at 07:22:51 WIB (Western Indonesian Time); the maximum eclipse will be at 07:21:45.

The total solar eclipse in Palembang take five stages as follows :

1. Partial eclipse begins (first contact): The Moon's shadow starts becoming visible over the Sun's disc. In Palembang, the first contact will take place at 06:20:30 WIB;
2. Total eclipse begins (second contact at 07:20:50 WIB): Almost the entire disc of the Sun is covered by the Moon;
3. Maximum eclipse or totality: at approximately 07:21:45 the Moon will completely covers the disc of the Sun;
4. Total eclipse ends (third contact): The Moon's shadow starts moving away and the Sun reappears at 07:22:51 WIB;
5. Partial eclipse ends (fourth contact): The Moon stops overlapping the Sun's disc. The eclipse ends at 08:31:28 WIB. (www.timeanddate.com)

In 1988, the eclipse hit the peak at 07.29. The crowd, locals as well foreign tourists, gathered along the Ampera bridge to witness the nature but rare moment. as oppose to the crowd, astronomers chose Kenten Golf Course.

Ampera Bridge in the night, a viewing spot of sun eclipse in 1988.

So, it could be the best time for you to visit Palembang, including South Sumatra. Don't forget while you are there, special cuisine of Palembang Malay is waiting to enjoy. 

Source: taken from a number of sources