Solar Eclipse 22 July 2009

The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century created near darkness soon after dawn in a swath of India stretching from the west coast to the northern plains where millions gathered in the open to watch.

A thick cloud cover over India that had obscured the sun when the eclipse began at dawn parted in several cities, minutes before the total eclipse caused when the moon covers the sun completely to cast a shadow on earth at 6.24 a.m. (0054 GMT).



One of the best views of the complete eclipse, shown live on several television channels, appeared to be in the town of Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges river, sacred to devout Hindus.

Thousands took a dip in keeping with the ancient belief that bathing in the river at Varanasi, especially on special occasions, cleanses one's sins. The eclipse was seen for 3 minutes and 48 seconds.

Scientists said the village of Taregna would have the clearest view, where thousands of scientists, nature enthusiasts and students gathered.

Their party was spoiled by thick clouds and overnight rains, but even that was welcome news for the agricultural area which has seen scant rainfall this monsoon season

At its peak, the eclipse lasted 6 minutes and 39 seconds in other parts of Asia. It is the longest such eclipse since July 11, 1991, when a total eclipse lasting 6 minutes, 53 seconds was visible from Hawaii to South America. There will not be a longer eclipse than Wednesday's until 2132. Scientists set up telescopes and other equipment in Taregna a day in advance to make the most of the window of opportunity provided by the eclipse.

Additional police and paramilitary troops were posted around Patna and Taregna after Maoist rebels called for a strike on Wednesday to protest increases in the price of gas and other essentials.

A total eclipse is a rare treat and hence it catches the attention of researchers and eclipse chasers across the globe. In photo: Members of the British Astronomers Association prepare their telescopes at their campsite near Truro in Cornwall, England. The group is preparing for a total solar eclipse which will take place Wednesday. A solar eclipse happens when the moon casts its shadow over the sun. This can be partial or full. A total eclipse is a rare treat and hence it catches the attention of researchers and eclipse chasers across the globe.



Astronomy and astrology have never gone hand in hand in India. This rare celestial treat is nothing different. Even as the world looks forward to the rare celestial phenomenon of a total solar eclipse, astrologers in India, say the event could be a bad omen. They have predicted war and destruction all around. Even the temple doors will remain closed.Why all the fanfare, you may ask. This event is going to be the longest total eclipse of this century and the longest seen in India since Aug 18, 1868. The next total eclipse in the country takes place on Jun 3, 2114. In photo: This picture combination shows five stages of the solar.



Considering the fact that we are not slated to have a full solar eclipse for many years to come, there is no reason why we should not have the pleasure of watching it and that too safely. The moon passes between the sun and the earth during a solar eclipse as seen in Changsha, Hunan province, China, July 22, 2009.



The moon passes between the sun and the earth during a total solar eclipse in the northern Indian city of Varanasi.



The moon passes between the sun and the earth during a solar eclipse as seen in Changsha, Hunan province, China, July 22, 2009.



A partial solar eclipse is seen behind the Golden Temple, a Sikhs holiest shrine, in Amritsar, India, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Millions of Asians turned their eyes skyward Wednesday as dawn suddenly turned to darkness across the continent in the longest total solar eclipse this century will see. Millions of others, seeing the rare event as a bad omen, shuttered themselves indoors

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