Solar Eclipse
Surya Grahan 2018: Much to the delight of skygazers, the world is set to witness a partial solar eclipse or Aanshik Surya Grahan on Saturday, August 11, wherein a part of the sun will appear to be covered by the moon's shadow. This rare celestial event will result in the sun being visible as a crescent or as a disk with a hollow centre. The nature and extent of the solar eclipse, which is the third and final one of the year, will vary from location to location. At such occasions, people are often surrounded with questions over do's and dont's, myths and concerns if it is safe to watch it through naked eyes. We have answers to all your questions. Here are the details for Surya Grahan 2018 or Partial Solar Eclipse 2018 on August 11, that will serve a visual treat to skywatchers after the spectacular August 27-28 Blood Moon.
Before you witness Surya Grahan 2018, know what is partial solar eclipse?
An eclipse occurs when the sun, moon and earth get aligned in a straight line. When the sun is obscured by the moon stopping sunlight to reach the earth, it is called a solar eclipse or Surya Grahan. In a partial solar eclipse, the moon obscures only a part of the sun when viewed from earth wherein the sun appears as a disc. It also turns dark during a solar eclipse as the sun turns blocked.
When and Where can you watch this partial solar eclipse- Date, Time, Locations
As per the predictions, the partial solar eclipse will be visible between 9:20am GMT and 12.32pm GMT. As per the Indian time, the eclipse will take place from 1:32pm and 5:02pm, however it is less likely to be clearly visible in India. According to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre, the partial solar eclipse or Surya Grahan is expected to be seen in northern Canada, north-eastern US, Greenland, Scandinavia, most of Siberia, and some parts of central Asia. The partial solar eclipse on August 11 will span over 3 hours and 30 minutes and the moon will have a smaller part of its shadow on the Sun, most part of the burning star will be visible from the Earth.
Surya Grahan 2018: How to watch solar eclipse, Do's and Dont's
People who want to witness the solar eclipse or the Surya Grahan in India may need special glasses, lenses and camera as the eclipse is not advised to be viewed with naked eyes.NASA advises that it is dangerous to see solar eclipses through naked eyes and it can damage eyes. Looking directly at the Sun, even for just a few seconds, can cause permanent damage to the retina of the eye.
It is deemed advisable to have food prior to eclipse or after it is complete. The bacteria tend to get active, in the absence of sunlight, which could further prove detrimental for health. Cooking should also be avoided during this period.
Before August 11 Solar Eclipse, know the common myths and superstitions
Solar eclipses are often considered inauspicious as the sun is not clearly seen. People generally avoid cooking, eating or drinking or going outdoors during the solar eclipse. To "ward off" evil effects of the solar eclipse, some also take bath to purify themselves.
The eclipses are often believed to be dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Thus, they are advised to not step out during the solar eclipse.
