Page 14 - Dream_2047_June_2020

ANNULAR S LAR ECLIPSE ACTIVITIES
Annular solar eclipse:
An amazing
An amazing
celestial show
celestial show
IB.K. TYAGI
remember the day of 16 February 1980, it was probably the first total solar eclipse that was to be seen from India after independence. The scientific community was making its full preparations on this occasion. Astronomers and
meteorologists were preparing to carry out their experiments. Doordarshan aired a popular film “Chupke Chupke”, to keep people indoors on the day of the eclipse. The government was, perhaps, afraid that people may damage their eyes by looking at the eclipse with naked eyes. Or, we were not ready to consider that event as an opportunity for science popularisation. However, during the telecast of the film, Doordarshan had shown various stages of eclipse at regular intervals. The chance that we had got to dispel the myths and superstitions associated with the event was therefore lost; it rather helped to strengthen them. The roots of age-old traditions and superstitions could hold firmer grounds!
But the total solar eclipse of 24 October 1995 was an exception. This day was the day of Diwali. According to the traditions, the day of an eclipse is not considered auspicious, so Diwali had to be celebrated a day in advance. However, this time there were full preparations to celebrate the eclipse as an event. The preparations by the National Council of Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) of Department of Science and Technology and Vigyan Prasar were started about six months in advance. A variety of popular course materials were prepared, including information related to solar and lunar eclipses, topics of eye structure and ways to watch a solar eclipse safely, and what to do and what not to do at the time of eclipse, etc. and it was made sure that they reach the common people through various publications. All government and non-government institutions associated with science communication were involved in this effort. Many films related to eclipse were produced, which were telecast
by Doordarshan from time to time. An astronomy kit was developed by the Vigyan Prasar and NCSTC in which the science of eclipse was explained by activities in the common man’s language. One of the main components of this kit was the “solar filter”. By placing this solar filter in front of the eyes, the eclipse could be seen directly without any danger. The black film used in the filter reduced the light coming from the sun by almost a million times. The use of welder’s glass no.14 was also suggested for safe looking at the eclipse. Astronomy kits and filters were made available to all organisations and they were sold by Vigyan Prasar. I remember the long queues we had at the office of Vigyan Prasar about two days before the eclipse. This time the general public, indeed, was ready to celebrate the solar eclipse as an event.
The names Neem ka Thana and Akbarpur of Alwar district, Rajasthan are often referred to in context of the total solar eclipse of 24 October 1995. These two places had a clear view of the total solar eclipse. Scientists and science communicators had camped there two days before the event and had started preparing for various experiments. A day before the eclipse, from Delhi many buses left for the camp organised by Vigyan
Apart from India, there are many other civilisations where many beliefs and myths about solar eclipse and comets are prevalent. In China it is believed that an eclipse is caused by a dragon devouring the Sun. Eskimos believe that the eclipse occurs when the Sun becomes ill. You can list other such popular beliefs.
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