Solar Eclipse 2024: Date, Timings, Dos And Don'ts To Follow On Surya Grahan

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: A solar eclipse, also known as Surya Grahan, happens when the moon moves between the sun and the earth, causing the sun's light to be blocked partially or completely. People have been fascinated by solar eclipses for centuries due to their significance in celestial events. In this article let¡¯s learn about the date, significance, dos and don¡¯ts to follow during Surya Grahan 2024:

Understanding Solar Eclipses

A composite image of 21 separate photographs taken with a single fixed camera shows the solar eclipse as it creates the effect of a diamond ring at totality as seen from Clingmans Dome | Photo: Reuters

During a solar eclipse, the moon's orbit places it directly between the Earth and the Sun. This alignment causes the moon to cast a shadow on Earth, resulting in a temporary darkening of the sky during daylight hours. Solar eclipses come in various types¡ªtotal, partial, and annular¡ªdepending on their placement and the distance between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

When will be Solar Eclipse occur in 2024?

Solar eclipses occur periodically but are not frequent in any given location. They happen when the moon's orbit intersects with the Earth's orbit around the sun, aligning all three bodies in a straight line. Solar eclipses only occur during the new moon phase when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. The first solar eclipse of 2024 is scheduled for April 8, promising a complete blocking of the sun by the moon.

Is Solar Eclipse visible in India?

A total solar eclipse April 8 will enter over Mexico's Pacific coast, dash up through Texas and Oklahoma, crisscross the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and New England, before exiting over eastern Canada into the Atlantic | Photo: AP

Solar eclipses come in four types¡ªtotal, annular, hybrid, and partial¡ªbut they aren't always visible everywhere. Visibility depends on geographic location, with some regions not seeing the eclipse at all. The first solar eclipse of 2024, a total eclipse on April 8, will not be visible in India but will be visible in North America, Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It will also be visible in parts of Europe, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Arctic, Central and South America, and even in some areas of England and Ireland.

Solar Eclipse 2024 timings

The eclipse will start around 9:12 pm on April 8 and end at about 1:25 am the next day. Although it will be nighttime in India, people in North America, Mexico, and Canada can still see it for hours. Many are excited to watch this amazing event. Whether you see it online or in real life, the 2024 solar eclipse will be unforgettable.

Cultural Beliefs Surrounding Eclipses

Throughout history, solar eclipses, or Surya grahans, have been surrounded by various beliefs. Some ancient civilisations viewed them as signs of doom or the anger of gods. People would pray and ask for forgiveness during an eclipse, believing it to be a sign of divine intervention.

Dos and Don'ts to Follow During Solar Eclipse

Dos:

• Use Eye Protection: Always wear specially designed solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers to protect your eyes from harmful rays.
• Take Care of Pets: Keep pets indoors or in a secure location to prevent confusion or agitation caused by sudden changes in light.
• Take Photographs Safely: If capturing the eclipse, ensure you have a solar filter for your device's lens to protect both your equipment and your eyes.
• Appreciate the Event: If you wish to, take time to appreciate the rare beauty of a solar eclipse, but ensure you do so safely.

Don'ts:

• Don't Stare Directly at the Sun: Staring at the sun, even for a few seconds during an eclipse, can cause severe eye damage or blindness.
• Avoid Using Unfiltered Devices: Using devices like smartphones, cameras, or telescopes without adequate solar filters can damage both the equipment and your eyesight.
• Avoid DIY Solutions: Homemade filters or makeshift methods like smoked glass or sunglasses are not safe for viewing a solar eclipse.
• Don't Panic: In the age of information, there's no need to panic during an eclipse. Stay informed and follow safety guidelines to enjoy the event safely.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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