— An eclipse is nothing but an obscuring of the light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer.
— It is primarily caused by the shadow of one celestial body falling on another.
Features of Solar Eclipse on 22 July 2009
— Longest duration of totality in the 21st century – 6 minutes and 39 seconds.
— Path of totality will pass through major cities of India.
— Totality will begin soon after sunrise in Gujarat.
— Monsoon clouds may hamper viewing the eclipse in most places.
Safe Watching Of Eclipse
— The partial phases of the eclipse can be safely observed by projecting the image of the Sun on a white card or a wall.
— A pinhole camera, a small piece of mirror or a low-power telescope can be used for projecting an image of the partially eclipsed Sun.
— Safe filters are available that can be used for viewing the Sun directly.
— It is safe to look at the Sun during totality without a solar filter.
Solar Eclipses Are Not Harmful
— NO harmful rays are emitted by the Sun during an eclipse
— Food or water does NOT get spoiled during an eclipse.
— Eating or going to the toilet during an eclipse does NOT cause any harm.
— A solar eclipse does NOT cause any harm to pregnant mothers or the unborn child.
— A solar eclipse can be observed by anyone with a safe solar filter without any risk.
— Make it a point to watch the total solar eclipse with your family and friends.
Remember, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
