The Surya Grahan or solar eclipse is a celestial event that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. During this event, the Moon blocks out the Sun’s light, casting a shadow on the Earth. The next Surya Grahan will occur on February 16, 2023. Here is everything you need to know about this event.
Timing and Duration
The Surya Grahan in February 2023 will begin at 9:34 AM IST and end at 3:48 PM IST. The duration of the eclipse will be around 6 hours and 14 minutes. However, the total phase of the eclipse will last for only 1 minute and 53 seconds.
Visibility
The Surya Grahan in February 2023 will be visible from parts of Asia, including India, China, and Japan. The eclipse will be partial, which means that only a portion of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon. The degree of obscuration will vary depending on the location. For example, in Delhi, the eclipse will be about 49% visible, while in Mumbai, it will be around 38%.
Precautions
It is essential to take precautions during a solar eclipse to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the Sun. Looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse can cause permanent eye damage, including blindness. The safest way to view a solar eclipse is to use special eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. These glasses are designed to block out the harmful rays of the Sun and allow you to view the eclipse safely.
Myths and Beliefs
Solar eclipses have fascinated people for centuries, and many myths and beliefs surround this celestial event. In some cultures, it is believed that the eclipse is a sign of impending doom or a bad omen. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that demons Rahu and Ketu swallow up the Sun during an eclipse. To prevent this, people take a dip in the holy river Ganga or perform puja during the eclipse.
Conclusion
The Surya Grahan in February 2023 is an exciting celestial event that will be visible from parts of Asia, including India. It is essential to take precautions during the eclipse to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the Sun. While many myths and beliefs surround solar eclipses, it is crucial to remember that they are natural phenomena and pose no real danger if proper precautions are taken.