Govt eyes Astro tourism to compliment traditional tourist activities 

THE government is mulling over plans of promoting Astro Tourism as a latest potential tourism product.

Astro-tourism is a night-time activity that complements traditional tourist activities.

Briefing reporters here last week, Tourism and Natural Resources Minister, Mohamed Mchengerwa said the government was determined to develop and promote the product, describing it as a low-hanging fruit.

Mr Mchengerwa, who was speaking in the build up to the Asteroid Day, which is marked globally on June 30 every year, disclosed that the presence of the Mbozi meteorite, located some 65 kilometres South West of Mbeya region will be an important step in rolling out the product.

“The iron meteorite is in itself a spectacle to behold and a source of attraction to many, we are exploring ways of introducing Astro Tourism,” he said.

Locally known as “Kimondo Cha Mbozi” is located at Ndolezi Village, Mbozi District council, Songwe Region.

It’s about 12 Kilometres from Mahenje-Mbeya – Tunduma Road.

It is believed to have fallen many years ago and witnessed by African Blacksmith named Halele, later documented in 1930 by European surveyor named William H. Nott.

It is ranked as the World’s Eighth Biggest Meteorite where it is also estimated to weigh 16 tonnes with dimension of 9.8 metres height, 3.30 metres width and 3.30 metres length.

This year’s Asteroid Day which is set to take place at the Mbozi meteorite site will feature a number of activities starting from June 26 to June 30.

They include a scientific symposium that will feature astrological experts, traditional festival and a Marathon.

In 2016, the United Nations proclaimed Asteroid Day be observed globally on June 30 every year in its resolution.

The event aims to raise awareness about asteroids and what can be done to protect the Earth, its families, communities, and future generations from a catastrophic event.