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Since North America’s solar eclipse in 2017, interest in gazing at heavenly wonders is still sky high. So much so astrotourism, which involves choosing travel destinations based on where to watch events like meteor showers and northern lights, are trending in 2019, according to National Geographic.
Solar eclipses, in which the moon completely blocks the sun and casts a shadow across the big blue marble, are emerging as another crowd-drawing must-see, reports Nat Geo. Earth’s next total solar eclipse will cut across the South Pacific and South America on July 2, 2019. And destinations with a front-row seat of the natural wonder are already preparing for a surge of tourists who’ll be craning their necks while protecting their eyes (if they’re smart) to savor the view.
One destination offering a spectacular sightlines is Elqui Valley, Chile. The area “leaped onto the global stage as a world-class stargazing destination, and it’s a prime spot to experience totality during the July 2 eclipse,” reports Nat Geo, adding that the area is expecting more than a quarter-million visitors for the days surrounding the eclipse. Other places to see the solar eclipse include both San Juan and Buenos Aires in Argentina.
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