On March 20, 2023, the world will witness a rare celestial event – the Surya Grahan or solar eclipse. This event occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, casting a shadow on the earth’s surface. Solar eclipses are rare events, and their occurrence is determined by the alignment of the sun, moon, and earth.
The Surya Grahan is a fascinating astronomical event that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. In ancient times, solar eclipses were thought to be a sign of impending doom or disaster, and people would often perform rituals to ward off evil spirits. However, with advancements in science and technology, we now understand the science behind this phenomenon.
The Surya Grahan occurs because of the relative positions of the sun, moon, and earth. The moon orbits the earth, and the earth orbits the sun. During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the earth, casting a shadow on the earth’s surface. The shadow is divided into two parts – the umbra and the penumbra.
The umbra is the dark central part of the shadow where the sun is completely blocked out, and the penumbra is the lighter outer part of the shadow where the sun is only partially blocked out. The path of the umbra is called the path of totality, and it is the only place on earth where the sun is completely blocked out.
During the Surya Grahan, the moon’s shadow will fall on parts of North Africa, Europe, and Asia. The path of totality will pass through parts of Spain, Portugal, and North Africa. The duration of the total eclipse will be approximately 2 minutes and 10 seconds.
Scientists and astronomers are eagerly waiting for this event as it provides an opportunity to study the sun’s corona. The corona is the outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere, and it is visible only during a total solar eclipse. By studying the corona, scientists can gain insights into the sun’s magnetic field and its impact on the earth’s atmosphere.
In conclusion, the Surya Grahan is a rare celestial event that provides an opportunity to study the sun and its impact on the earth’s atmosphere. With advancements in science and technology, we now understand the science behind this phenomenon. So, mark your calendars for March 20, 2023, and get ready to witness this spectacular event.