Solar Eclipse

What is Solar Eclipse?

Eclipse means “to overshadow”. The partial or total covering of sun, due to the passing of moon between earth and Sun is called Solar Eclipse.

When does it happen?

Solar eclipse can occur only in the new moon phase of the moon. In this phase, the illuminated side of the moon is pointed away from the earth and the sun and moon are in conjunction. This phase occurs every 29.5 days. As moon continuously orbits around the earth, eclipse occurs when it is in line with earth and the sun. Although, every month there is a new moon phase that does not lead to an eclipse every time as the moon and earth are tilted at an angle. Moon’s orbit is at a tilt of 5 degree relative to earth.There are at least 2 Solar eclipses every year.

The cities in India that will be close to Totality of the Solar Eclipse on July 22, 2009 are Surat, Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Varanasi and Patna. In the Eastern part of the country the altitude of the Sun will be 15 degrees. Also, around this time rains will be observed due to south west monsoons. The above mentioned regions will have the best view of totality, while most of the regions in India will be abstained from the view of totality. The eclipse will start from India at 00:51:17 UT on July 22, and end in Polynesia at about 04:19:26 UT.

FAQ’s

Q: Why is the 2009 Solar Eclipse so special?

A: This one is the total eclipse as only 28 percent of solar eclipses are total, rest 35 percent are of Partial type and 37 percent are of annular types. On average total solar eclipse occurs about every 18 months while on Earth, total eclipse is visible only once in several hundred years.

Q: What exactly happens during such a Total Solar Eclipse?

A: During a total solar eclipse, partial phase of eclipse takes place for about hour or more when moon slowly covers the sun but dimming of sunlight is hardly observed during this phase. Then, as moon slides totally in front of sun, the sky starts getting darker. The moon’s black disc appears as a hole in sky and peeking around the black disc should be a number of pinkish solar prominences, gigantic explosions of hot hydrogen gas that boil off from the Sun in spectacular arching shapes. At the last instant, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, observers may view two captivating sights of Bailey’s Beads and Diamond Ring Effect.

Q: How dark does it get?

A: The darkness at the time of total solar eclipse can be compared to darkness of full moon night and even the stars also get visible at the day time. This sight is only observed across the areas in the path of totality while areas away from the path of totality will not get significant dark.

Q: How can I observe the partial eclipse safely?

You should avoid looking directly at the sun to view partial or total eclipse with unprotected eyes as it can cause serious damage to retina and can affect your vision for the rest of life. Listed below are few methods for safely viewing the eclipse:

Solar Filters: Viewing through a special aluminized Mylar film designed specifically for eclipse viewing.

Welder’s Glass No. 14: Welders' goggles or the filters for welder's goggles with a rating of 14 or higher are safe to use for looking directly at the Sun.

Viewing by projection: Use a card with a small hole in it to project an image of the eclipse on a screen, and you watch the screen, not the sun. You can use a piece of paper, or even a straw hat with a little hole in it. Just put something with a little hole in it over a flat surface and you'll see the sun's movement.

Fully Exposed and Developed Black-and-White Film: One can make your own filter out of black-and-white film, but only true black-and-white film (such as Kodak Tri-X or Pan-X). Such films have a layer of silver within them after they are developed. It is this layer of silver that protects your eyes.

Camera and Telescope Solar Filters: Many telescope and camera companies provide metal-coated filters that are safe for viewing the Sun. They are more expensive than common Mylar, but observers generally like them better because they are available in various colors, such as a chromium filter through which the Sun looks orange. Through aluminized Mylar, the Sun is blue-gray. As with the Mylar, you can look directly at the Sun through these filters.

Caution: Do not use color film or chromogenic black-and-white film (which is actually a color film). Developed color film, no matter how dark, contains only colored dyes, which do not protect your vision. It is the metallic silver that remains in black-and-white film after development that makes it a safe solar filter.

How Solar Eclipse Take Place

There are two types of shadows of moon:

Umbra: It is represented as the dark grey region of shadow. This is the region where total eclipse is observed on earth as sun is totally blocked by moon.

Penumbra: This region depicted by the light grey shadow of the moon, observes a partial eclipse as only partial rays of sun are barred by moon.

As moon is inclined at a relative 5 degrees and has an elliptical orbit, the apparent size of the moon as observed from the earth varies. The type of eclipse experienced depends upon the distance of the moon from the earth during that period. When the earth comes under the umbra region Total eclipse is experienced. The regions of earth under penumbra rays are partially eclipsed, while when the umbra shadow of moon is not able to reach the surface of earth, Annular eclipse is encountered.

Thus, total eclipse is a rare phenomenon.

Types of Eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse : In total Solar Eclipse the moon completely blocks the sun.Total solar eclipse is visible from within the umbral shadow of the moon. It is an extremely marvelous phenomenon and several people make efforts to travel even to remote places to view the eclipse.

Partial Eclipse : In Partial Solar Eclipse the moon partially blocks the sun and they are not in complete conjunction. Partial eclipse is usually visible from a large part of the Earth outside of the path of an annular or total eclipse. Partial solar eclipses are visible from within the penumbral shadow of the Moon.

Annular Eclipse : An Annular Eclipse is quite similar to that of a total eclipse except that it takes place during a particular point in the Moon's orbit when it is farther away from the Earth than usual. During annular eclipse the sun looks like a ring or annulus.

Hybrid Eclipse: In a Hybrid Eclipse some parts of the eclipse path are total and some are annular. People staying near the middle of the eclipse will witness a total eclipse and those at the end of the path will witness an annular eclipse.

Stages of Solar Eclipse

The following stages describe what one can see during an eclipse. The initial stages of a total and partial eclipse are described below:

In the first stage of solar eclipse, the Moon’s disc touches the Sun. This is called First Contact. During this stage, the Moon starts taking a “bite” of the Sun and with the progress of the eclipse the “bite” becomes larger and larger.

The Sun is gradually covered by the Moon as the moment of totality approaches, and narrow bands of shadow and light moving across the ground can be seen. As the Moon moves closer the shadow of the Moon is seen rushing from the west.

The remaining part of the Sun gradually Path of Solar Eclipse 2009 breaks into slices and separate points of light called Baily’s Beads are formed. It is named after British astronomer Francis Baily, one of the founders of the Royal Astronomical Society.

When only one point of light is left one Path of Solar Eclipse 2009 can observe a beautiful diamond ring effect with the last point of light being held on the Moon's outline. Second Contact takes place when the last ray of light vanishes and the Moon touches the farther limb of the Sun.

During totality, the sky becomes dark, not as dark as night maybe, but enough to confuse the birds to go home, flowers to close for night, and bees to stop flying. The shadow of the moon covers the entire disc of the sun and only the corona becomes visible.

Totality ends at Third Contact, when the Moon begins to uncover the Sun. Once again, a diamond ring, Baily's Beads, and shadow bands may be seen.

The Moon gradually uncovers the Sun and normal daylight returns. The shadow on the Sun reduces until it vanishes altogether. This moment is known as the Fourth Contact.

Solar Eclipse in Hindu Mythology

According to Hindu mythology, Solar and Lunar eclipse are associated with “Samudra Manthan”. When the ocean was churned, there was “Amrit” produced, this amrit was stolen by Asuras (the demons). To obtain the amrit, Lord Vishnu took incarnation in form of a beautiful damsel “Mohini” and tried to please and distract the demons. On receiving the amrit, Mohini came to devas to distribute it to them. “Rahu”, one of the demons sat to obtain some portion of the amrit. Surya (Sun) and the Chandra (Moon) realized that Rahu was a demon –“Asura” and not one of the devas. Knowing this Mohini severed the head of Rahu, who is still supposed to be alive.

Thus, Rahu is believed to take revenge from “Surya” and “Chandra” in the form of Solar and Lunar eclipse.

This is the reason why according to Hindu Mythology, the radiations of Eclipse are supposed to be a bad-omen as they are reflections of Rahu.

What to do during eclipse/grahan?

In Hinduism the rays of eclipse are considered to be harmful and thus

People usually don’t undertake any work on that day.

Temples remain closed.

Many people observe a complete fast on that day, even 12 hrs. before the eclipse.

Taking bath is customary during eclipse as a purification act, which also includes taking bath in holy rivers.

Pregnant women are advised not to move in the sun, or to be exposed to Sun rays under any circumstances.

Many people chant mantras throughout the day.

One should also refrain from sleeping, during eclipse.

Water if consumed is advised to be purified with Tulsi or Basil leaves.

People also believe in charitable acts during eclipse like donating money, gold etc.

Mantras Chanted:

According to Hindu mythology, chanting mantras has a religious significance during eclipse as it is supposed to banish the bad effects of Grahan. Following mantras are popularly chanted:

Gayatri mantra: “Aum Bhur Bhuvah Swah, Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat”

Ashtakshara Mantra:” Shri Krishna ha sharnam mama’

“Om Namoh Narayan Na Yah.”

Mahamrityunjay Mantra :”Om Tryamlakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pusti - vardhanam | Urva - rukamiva Bandhanan Mrtyor - muksheeya Ma – amritat”

“Surya Kavach Strotra”

“Aditya Hridaya Strotram”

Solar Eclipse & Health

In India, food is neither taken nor prepared during or before eclipse as the sun rays don’t reach the surface of earth. The food prepared during this time is supposed to contain more germs as the natural germs destroyer-Sun, doesn’t reach earth.

Viewing the sun during eclipse:

Traditionally exposure to rays of eclipse is supposed

to be harmful. Scientists too believe that one should not try to see the sun directly with naked eyes. However, one can view the eclipse by using requisite glares that give proper protection to the eyes. Nowadays, there are specially designed glasses just for the purpose of eclipse. But, direct rays of the sun can definitely damage your eyes permanently.

Scientific evidences to prove harmful effects of Eclipse

Many scientists agree to the fact that pregnant women should be prevented from exposure to rays as, they believe that X- rays released from Sun and Moon during eclipse are harmful and can cause severe damage to the foetus in the womb resulting into disabled and abnormal babies.

Even researchers strongly hold the fact that eclipses not only affect adversely to human beings but also plants and animals. X- rays released from Sun and Moon during eclipse badly affect the living world. This is called Cosmic Radiation.

Cosmic radiation negatively affects sea animals and even the Onion and Sorghum species of plants, as proved by many researchers.

There are certain beliefs related to eclipse like, stored water should be avoided. The Division of Environmental Biology of Vikram Sarabhai Research Centre with the association of S.N. Hospitals, proved that purity of the water was reduced after total Solar Eclipse.

The fact of keeping grass blades on water and food during eclipse period, is also been proved scientifically. Scientists have proved that grass blades have immense disinfecting power even more than Tulsi (ocimum), which is considered to be most purifying agent thus have great mythological value.