In December 4, 2002 Angola was one of the countries to view a total sun eclipse.

A Commission co-ordinated by Sciences and Technology Deputy Minister Mr. Pedro Teta organised campsites for French scientists who used a military plane to observe the eclipse from a height of about 3,000 metres.

The Huambo province in central Angola was the ideal point from which to observe the eclipse this year, but as satellite weather forecast predicted rain and cloudy skies on the day did not provide a clear view.

Alternatively, Sumbe, in central Kwanza-Sul province and north of Lobito (Benguela province, centre) was the other locations where the total eclipse could be seen and camping sites were also organised for scientists to observe the phenomenon.

The source also said that other camps were set up in the provinces of Kwanza-sul, Huambo and Kuando-Kubango with the same purpose.

The Commission predicted a total sun eclipse of 60 kilometres wide band crossing the country from west to east, and will start from the Atlantic coast in Kwanza-sul and was seen on its 100 percent in Huambo for 52,5 seconds and culminate in Kuando-kubango, Southeast Angola.

In the rest of the country the eclipse was seen from 5 hours and 54 seconds in its partial phase.

On June 21st, 2001 Angola was one of the countries to view the full eclipse.

The best spot to be was Sumbe in Kuanza-Sul.