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Eclipses

What is an Eclipse?

When a celestial body such as a planet or a moon obscures another celestial body by moving into its shadow, then such a phenomenon is known as an eclipse. As the moon revolves around the Earth, and the Earth around the Sun, we get to witness two types of eclipses – lunar eclipse and solar eclipse.

Why is it important?

Studying eclipses has tremendous applications apart from appreciating the celestial dance of these heavenly bodies. For instance, observing the lunar eclipse helped Greeks and Romans back in the day to calculate the shape of the Earth, the diameter of the moon, and the Earth-Moon distance. Watching the solar eclipse has helped scientists to precisely calculate the diameter of the Sun, and study its outermost part – the corona – which is extremely difficult to study on normal days.

Why is it celebrated?

There are a lot of myths associated with eclipses and they are often considered ill-omen across the country. To debunk them and to develop a sense of scientific temperament and inquisitive approach in everyone, eclipse observations are conducted.

How is it celebrated?

Various events are conducted to observe solar eclipses in association with professional Eclipse Chasers from SPACE India and across the globe. Public observation events, interaction with astronomers, and live streams of eclipses are conducted to bring this phenomenon to every person.

How often does it occur?

During a year, the lunar eclipse occurs mostly twice. Rarely are there years during which zero, one, or even three lunar eclipses occur. Meanwhile solar eclipses occur two to five times a year; five being extremely rare. The last observed five solar eclipses were in 1935 and the next time this happens will be in 2206!

When is the next Eclipse?

The next lunar eclipse will be a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse that will take place on 5-6 May 2023. The next solar eclipse will be an Annular Solar Eclipse that will be visible on 14th October 2023. However it would not be possible to view it from India.

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