A total experience
People in our country witnessed a Total solar eclipse today. Watching any celestial event is quite fascinating I have seen a partial eclipse back in 1999 and could remember it very well.
This time, the sky was overcast in our city so much of activity outdoors. But thanks to the media I had my hearts content of seeing many occurrences of the total solar eclipse across India and several parts in China. The defining moment for me was when it became pitch dark for almost a minute at Taregana . Though the sun was not visible there due to the monsoon, going dark suddenly was quite fascinating and for few seconds the correspondent covering just took a break from his reporting and was watching the spectacle in awe!
The visual from China was fascinating as well. The eclipse lasted much longer there and the Sun’s corona was evident in that place.
Trivia: Helium was discovered during one such total solar eclipse by astronomers watching it from a field in Guntur in Andhra Pradesh.
.
That is an interesting trivia.
Here is the big picture with a nice collection of pictures from across the world.
gmahe
July 27, 2009 at 8:23 am
Interesting trivia! I remember the 1999 eclipse. The most confused bunch are the poor birds and cows and such who have no idea what just happened!
Rajorshi
July 28, 2009 at 10:02 am