UCC mounts education on precautionary measures for eclipse

Cape Coast, March 16, GNA - The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has mounted a public education campaign to sensitise residents in the Central region on the need for precautionary measures towards the impending eclipse of the sun on Wednesday March 29. An eight-member team from the Faculties of Science and Social Sciences, Departments of Physics and Geography and Tourism and Computer Science, has been formed tro educate the residents in their communities, schools as well as the FM stations. It has been forecast that the eclipse, which would occur from 0900 hours on that day, would be intense in four regional capitals including Cape Coast.

As part of the public education programme, Professor Kwabena Acheampong, of the Department of Geography and Tourism, on Tuesday, took the public through what to expect on that day and about the urgent need for all residents to acquire the protective goggles, which have been specially made for viewing the phenomenon. Professor Acheampong, who gave the advice on 'Radio Central' the GBC FM station in Cape Coast, explained to those who called into the programme that eclipse was a natural occurrence, which could not be prevented, and "an event worth witnessing" because it rarely occurred. He however, warned of the devastating effect of viewing the eclipse with naked eyes, stressing that it could cause blindness.

Professor Acheampong said the protective goggles, which cost just 10,000 cedis, is being distributed for sale in all schools and communities, at scheduled periods. Enquiries made by the GNA indicated that residents within the municipality are already rushing to buy the protective goggles, particularly those deposited at 'Radio Central'. Meanwhile, the UCC is scheduled to hold an "International Conference" on the eclipse from March 26 to April 2, under the auspices of the International Society of Black Physicists. Students and scholars worldwide are expected to attend the five-day event.