Eager gazes will turn towards the sky tomorrow as the world anticipates the awe-inspiring spectacle of the total solar eclipse.
Dubbed the Great North American Eclipse by enthusiasts and social media alike, this celestial phenomenon promises to captivate viewers across the Americas.
The lunar eclipse is when the moon moves between the earth and the sun, making a shadow on the earth.
This makes it look like the sun is disappearing for a little while, and you can see the moon slowly covering the sun, making it darker outside for a short time.
Yet, for many in Africa, particularly Namibia, the anticipation is rather disappointing.
Despite the global excitement on social media surrounding the event, Namibians will not be granted the opportunity to witness the eclipse firsthand.
The reason behind this astronomical discrepancy was elucidated by Namibia's own astronomer and member of the Namibian Science Society, Lutz Von Dewitz.
"In the centre of the eclipse, you will see the chickens going to sleep, the birds quieting down, and the animals getting unsettled because it is unnatural to them. It happens at the same place, maybe in 300 years. It happens in the Americas now, in Africa, or even in the ocean, but you would need a boat to see it. If we have a really clear eclipse exactly above Windhoek, it will take the next one to happen in about 300 years. A solar eclipse can happen anywhere, so to say random, but it can happen in any space on earth."
Despite the geographical limitations, Von Dewitz emphasised the importance of embracing the wonders of the cosmos, regardless of location, and the safety aspects of wanting to view the eclipse.
"Brace yourself; wait your turn, which will be in 2030. There will be a small one coming, though, but I will have to have a look. I think around the 26 or 27 around there, but it will give you a bit of a taste of what will come in 2030. We just have to sit tight, enjoy, and see what's going to happen with this one. My last advice is, if you do happen to be in America, never ever try to look at the sun, because you will damage your eyes."
As the world turns its eyes skyward to witness the spectacle of the Great North American Eclipse, Namibian astro-enthusiasts will join in spirit, celebrating the majesty of the cosmos from afar.