Solar Eclipse on 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.

Passengers on a special chartered flight to view the total eclipse in India saw spectacular sights.

Picture this: A sunrise, but not an ordinary one. An eerie darkness creeping across the face of the sun, stars twinkling in the early morning sky, this is perhaps what we witness on July 22.

The eclipse was total in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, China and ends over the Pacific Ocean, which promises to be a celestial treat. In photo: A woman looks at the moon partly covering the sun, during a partial solar eclipse.

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.

A total eclipse is a rare treat and hence it catches the attention of researchers and eclipse chasers across the globe.

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.

Missed the special flight? There is no need to worry. Even though you may not get to see it at close quarters as from a flight, you wont be losing out on all the fun. You can gaze up at the skies for this special event, but with caution. You should not look at the sun directly for harmful rays may affect your vision. In photos: Children take a look at partial solar eclipse through solar.
There are some precautions you have to take while viewing the eclipse. Perhaps one of the best way to see it would be to watch its projection on a screen. In photo: A woman shows the reflection of an image of the partial solar eclipse at a planetarium.

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.
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.

A partial solar eclipse is seen through the window panels of the Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan July 22, 2009.

The moon passes between the sun and the earth during a total solar eclipse in the northern Indian city of Varanasi.
Thousands of Hindus pray and bathe along the banks of the River Varanasi as they wait for a total solar eclipse in the Indian city of Varanasi. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century plunged millions across Asia into temporary darkness, triggering scenes of religious fervour, fear and excitement in India and China.



Graphic showing the path of Wednesday's total solar eclipse across Asia and the Pacific. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century plunged millions across Asia into temporary darkness, triggering scenes of religious fervour, fear and excitement in India and China.



The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century plunged Moganshan mountain in eastern China into darkness on Wednesday morning. Duration : 0:20



The sun is covered by the moon during a total solar eclipse in the Indian city of Varanasi. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century plunged millions across Asia into temporary darkness on Wednesday, triggering scenes of religious fervour, fear and excitement in India and China



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





Visitors gather to watch the solar eclipse in Hangzhou, China eastern Zhejiang province, 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.