Eclipse is a natural process but people have fabricated many stories related to it. (Photo: Internet)

Eclipses and the force of superstitions

Nowadays, while the Corona virus is being fought on social media through awareness campaigns, those who are throwing cannabis in the ring are also fighting to attract the masses. These people have no choice but to create a sensation among the masses and that is why as the date of the solar eclipse of June 21, 2020 approached, they made it known that the end of the Maya calendar in December 2012 predicted the end of the world, it will be proved on June 21, 2020. Lack of science education has spread fear among the people as if they do not believe in themselves.

A circular solar eclipse is going to take place in Pakistan on Sunday, June 2020, which is not surprising. Because the eclipse began when the moon came into being. Today we know that the moon revolves around the earth and the earth around the sun and the moon returns to its orbit around the earth at the same place in about 29 days. Let's say the moon passes between the sun and the earth every month, but here the question arises that if this is the case, then there should be 12 or 13 solar and lunar eclipses in a year, because the moon orbits the earth 12 or 13 times a year. 13 turns. But that doesn't happen.

The answer to this question lies in the orbital inclination of the moon (also called "orbital inclination" in astronomical terms). The lunar orbit is not aligned with the Earth's orbit, but is tilted about 5 degrees, due to which the Moon's orbit intersects the Earth's orbit at only 'two' places, which in astronomical terms are called 'nodes'. This means that if the moon is in its orbit near or near the full moon, then it is possible that the sun, moon and earth are in an alignment. An eclipse or lunar eclipse is occurring. But wait a minute, because this orbit is not so simple.

Everything in the universe is organized, of course, but if you look closely at this universe, you will see chaos everywhere, as we know that the orbit of any planet, star or moon in the universe is not a complete circle but an elliptical shape. (i.e. the shape of an egg). For this reason, if we observe the moon through binoculars, we realize that the moon keeps moving away or close to the earth in its cycle. This means that it is not necessary for the moon to be exactly 380,000 kilometers from the earth when there is a solar or lunar eclipse, but if the moon is away from the earth at the time of the eclipse, it will not be able to cover the sun completely. That is why we see different types of eclipses.

Total eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the earth and the sun, but in such a way that the distance of the moon from the earth is such that it completely covers the sun. In a total solar eclipse, the moon covers the sun's "bright sphere", i.e. the photosphere, but the atmosphere of the sun, called "corona", becomes visible, which is a beautiful sight. Because it is very difficult to see the corona in the presence of bright spheres. The corona is the place where the sun explodes and the plasma spreads around the sun. In a total solar eclipse, solar scientists use the sun to cover the moon completely, and when they take a picture of the sun for research, they examine the atmosphere by covering the bright sphere of the sun in the same way.

circular solar eclipse

Circular Solar Eclipse

A circular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is between the sun and the earth, but because of the distance of the moon from the earth at this point in its orbit, the moon does not completely cover the bright sphere of the sun for the inhabitants of the earth. As a result, the middle part of the sun is hidden, while a bright circle is formed around the sides. This condition is also known to the public as the 'ring of fire'. However, today we know that there is no fire on the sun.

partial solar eclipse

Partial Solar Eclipse

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the full moon is not in line with the Earth's orbit. For this reason, when the moon passes in front of the sun, only a part of the moon covers the sun.

What will the June 21, 2020 solar eclipse look like?

The solar eclipse on June 1, 2020 will be a circular eclipse. Because the distance of the moon from the earth currently is about 390,000 kilometers. This means that the angular diameter of the moon will be less than the angular diameter of the sun in the sky. This eclipse is eagerly awaited by astronomical fans in Pakistan. Because after the total solar eclipse of 1995 and 1999, Pakistan will see a circular eclipse for the first time in 2020 and the eclipse is one of the best scenes of nature.

This time the circular solar eclipse will start at 8:45 am on June 21, 2020 according to the standard time of Pakistan and the moon will start covering the sun at 9:47 am. The eclipse will begin at 11:40 a.m. That is, the sun will take the shape of a circle and then the sun will be fully visible by 1:32 pm while the eclipse will end at 2:34 pm.

Does an eclipse affect living things on Earth?

An eclipse is a completely natural process that occurs when the moon comes between the sun and the earth. However, it is not surprising that the moon comes between the sun and the earth in some months of the year, because today scientists have a good idea of ​​when and where the celestial body will be.

Many people, who are completely unfamiliar with scientific knowledge, say that at the time of eclipse, the sun emits certain rays which affect human beings and cause many accidents. But surprisingly, even in this age of modern science, they did not name these rays.

The fact is that there are no rays that can affect humans. Rather, scientists and ophthalmologists forbid seeing the eclipse with the naked eye because at the time of the eclipse, when the moon completely covers the sun, the sunlight dims, but as soon as the moon begins to move away from the sun. If the sunlight suddenly falls on the eyes, the retina can burn, which can damage your eyesight forever. That too without pain, because there are no pain cells in the retina.

Are you wondering if this bright light only comes out during an eclipse? So, it is not at all. Never look at the sun with the naked eye and if you want to enjoy an eclipse, use only certified solar glasses or welding glasses number 13 and 14 instead of using X-ray paper or ordinary sunglasses.

It is also often said that if a pregnant woman uses any sharp iron object, including scissors, a knife, etc., during a solar or lunar eclipse, the unborn child will be born disabled. This is not entirely true. No ordinary person has ever tried to disprove this, because everyone loves their children. But scientists have carried out all these experiments, from animals to humans. The birth of a disabled baby can only be the result of a coincidence or some other genetic disease, which can be caused by a 'hormonal imbalance' in the pregnant woman because of severe panic attacks by the mother-in-law or mother. But an astronomical process can never have anything to do with human life.

Eclipse view and precautions

We don't have binoculars, we don't have solar glasses, we don't have welding glasses, then how to see an eclipse?

Astronomers in Akstan face great difficulties, as astronomical equipment in Pakistan, including binoculars, solar glasses, etc., is not easily available, but must be imported from the United States or China. Which, of course, made the video an overnight sensation. That is why apart from a few thousand people in Pakistan, there are many people who do not have astronomical equipment, but they are interested in it. There are many things for these enthusiasts to do to keep themselves safe, so they can easily watch the eclipse.

Eclipse projector

Eclipse Projector

If the date of the eclipse is approaching and you do not have solar glasses, then there is nothing to worry about, because you can make a 'solar eclipse projector' at home. For this you need a large box, a small piece of aluminum paper (you can eat any chocolate and its cover will be aluminum paper) and a piece of white paper.

The box should be longer so that the image of the sun is bigger and clearer. Make two large holes on one side of the box. One would be to see a picture of the sun inside the sun box and put aluminum paper on the other hole, as shown in the picture.

Put a white piece of paper on the back of the box so that the image of the sun is clear. Now take a needle and make a hole about 2 mm big in these aluminum sheets. Here, your eclipse projector is ready. Now turn the box towards the sun and peek through the viewing hole inside the box. You will see a white circle on the white paper. Yes, it is our own sun.

Watch eclipses from household utensils

If, despite your best efforts, you can't find the aluminum foil or the sunglasses, and you feel like waiting for this eclipse will be a lifelong wait (because of the circular solar eclipse in June) Comes to the same place once in 300 years) So make one last effort and find the 'sieve' shown in the picture in the kitchen of the house and go to see the eclipse.

Assume that each of its holes is a 'solar eclipse projector' and each hole will make the sun on white paper and when the sun starts to eclipse, you will see the eclipsed sun in the pictures of the sun made through this sieve. This way you can safely watch the eclipse from your household items.

Watch the eclipse with your fingers

If you don't have a sieve in your house, I hope you have your fingers. You can cross your fingers and make an 'eclipse projector' out of the space between them, which will act as a sieve.

conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say that there is no need to listen to those who spread fear and panic about solar or lunar eclipses, but there is a need for us and our children to have solar eclipse projectors or binoculars at home. Show solar and lunar eclipses with filter. Because if knowledge is not common in Pakistan, astrologers and non-scientists will continue to spread such things among the people.