Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) 2024: Know date, timing, dos and don'ts to follow during 'Ring Of Fire'

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, there will be a second and final solar eclipse called the "Ring of Fire" of 2024. This annular solar eclipse will be visible from parts of the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile, and southern Argentina. The event will last over six hours, starting at 9:13 PM IST and ending at 3:17 PM IST the next day. During this time, people in the right locations will see the Moon cover the center of the Sun, leaving a glowing ring of light around it.?

What Is an Annular Solar Eclipse or Ring of Fire?

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves directly in front of the Sun but is too small to cover it completely, which creates the "ring of fire" effect. This occurs because the Moon travels in an oval-shaped path around Earth, making it appear larger or smaller at different times.

According to NASA, the correct alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth is important for this event to take place, and it usually happens two to five times a year.

Solar eclipses, including annular ones, happen when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in line. This alignment causes the Moon to cast a shadow on Earth, blocking some or all of the Sun's light. Such eclipses are not very common and occur about two to five times each year. The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, which will be visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.

Is Solar Eclipse 2024 visible in India?

Unfortunately, the October Solar Eclipse won't be visible in India or nearby countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, and the UAE. It will also not be visible in Europe, Africa, northern North America, Australia, or Mauritius. Since the eclipse won’t be seen in these areas, the traditional observation period known as Sutak Kaal does not apply.

Safety Tips for Viewing the Solar Eclipse

Credit: Unsplash/Representational image

For people in areas where the eclipse is visible, safety is essential. Looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse can cause serious eye damage. NASA recommends using solar eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2 standards to protect your eyes. Regular sunglasses are not safe enough. If eclipse glasses are not available, try making a pinhole projector or watching shadows on the ground to enjoy the eclipse safely.

Where Will the Solar Eclipse Be Visible?

The Solar Eclipse 2024 will be visible mostly in South America, especially in southern Chile and Argentina. Other places with a partial view of the eclipse include the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic, Peru, and Fiji.

Cities like Hanga Roa in Chile and Puerto Deseado in Argentina will have the best view of the annular eclipse. For the partial eclipse, cities such as Honolulu (Hawaii, USA), Suva (Fiji), Santiago (Chile), S?o Paulo (Brazil), Montevideo (Uruguay), and Buenos Aires (Argentina) will see part of the event.

Dos and Don'ts for the Solar Eclipse 2024

Dos During the Solar Eclipse

Pray and Chant Mantras

It is believed that praying or chanting mantras during the eclipse can protect against negativity. This is a spiritual practice followed by many people.

Ventilate Your Home

Once the eclipse is over, open your windows to let fresh air circulate. This is thought to clear away any negative energy that may have built up.

Charity and Good Deeds

Giving to charity, such as donating food or clothing after the eclipse, is seen as a way to attract blessings and good karma.

Take a Bath After the Eclipse

After the eclipse ends, it is traditional to take a bath, especially for pregnant women, to wash away any negative effects.

Use Ganga Water for Prayers

Sprinkling Ganga water around your home and offering prayers can help improve your spiritual well-being.

Don'ts During the Solar Eclipse

Don’t Look Directly at the Sun

If you are outside during the eclipse, avoid looking directly at the Sun to prevent eye damage.

Avoid Starting New Projects

It is considered unlucky to start new projects or make major decisions during the eclipse. Use this time for rest and reflection.

Don’t Use Sharp Objects

It is believed that using sharp tools during the eclipse can attract negative energy, so avoid handling them.

Avoid Wearing New Clothes

Tradition advises against wearing new clothes during the eclipse. Make sure children stay indoors and avoid direct sunlight.

Rituals and Remedies for Solar Eclipse 2024

During the Solar Eclipse 2024, it's suggested not to worship deities but to chant mantras for protection and positivity. Astrologer Radha Kant Vats recommends reciting mantras from the start to the end of the eclipse to bring good results.

If you're worried about the negative effects of the eclipse, you can follow some simple remedies. Donate black sesame seeds and recite the Rahu Stotra for protection. Worshipping the Peepal tree and sprinkling Ganga water around your home are also believed to attract positive energy.

By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can safely enjoy the amazing sight of the Solar Eclipse 2024 and embrace the spiritual traditions that come with it.