Surya Grahan 2019: A volley of eclipses is set to excite skygazers across the world this year, with the first one being a solar eclipse, which falls this Sunday, January 6. The Solar Eclipse or Surya Grahan 2019 will take briefly grace the skies on Sunday, January 6. During the solar eclipse, the moon will pass in front of the sun to cause a partial solar eclipse. The Solar Eclipse 2019 or Surya Grahan will be the first of six eclipses in 2019, which falls two weeks before the Super Blood Wolf Moon, that takes place on January 20/21.
Surya Grahan 2019: Date
Surya Grahan 2019 or Solar Eclipse 2019 will occur on Sunday, January 6.
Surya Grahan 2019: Time
The solar eclipse will begin at 5:04 am on January 6 and will last till 9:18 am.
Surya Grahan 2019: Where will it be seen
The partial solar eclipse will not be visible in India. It will be visible from locations in north Pacific and northeast Asia, including China, part of Siberia in Russia, Korean peninsula, and Japan.
Taipei in Taiwan, Yakutsk in Russia, Adak in Alaska, Tokyo in Japan and Seoul in South Korea are some of the best positioned cities to see this solar eclipse or surya grahan 2019.
What is a 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.
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 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.
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.