This Article is From Aug 11, 2018

Surya Grahan or Partial Solar Eclipse Today: 5 Things To Keep In Mind

Partial solar eclipse: Surya Grahan needs to be seen with caution. There are certain dos and don'ts that you must follow.

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Surya Grahan or Partial Solar Eclipse: Use eye protection to watch it.

Skywatchers in India will be able to see sun in a crescent shape today during surya grahan or partial solar eclipse that begins at 1:32 pm and ends at 5 pm. The maximum eclipse will be seen at 3:16 pm. In partial solar eclipse, the Moon partly obscures the Sun's disk and casts only its penumbra on the Earth. This will be the last partial solar eclipse of the year 2018. NASA advises that it is dangerous to see solar eclipses through naked eyes and it can damage one's eyes.

Here are 5 things you should keep in mind before going to see the surya grahan or partial solar eclipse today:

  1. Don't look at the Sun directly. Looking at the Sun, even for a few seconds, can lead to permanent damage to the retina of the eye.

  2. Don't look at the Sun even while using any kind of optical aid like binoculars, a telescope, or an optical camera viewfinder as it can be extremely hazardous and can cause irreversible eye damage within a fraction of a second.

  3. Don't try to use sunglasses, smoked glass, or some other home-made substitute. They're not safe to use during partial solar eclipse or surya grahan.

  4. Use eye protection during surya grahan like a special eclipse glasses should be used to witness the solar eclipse. Always use special-purpose solar filters, such as "eclipse glasses" or hand-held solar viewers to watch the solar eclipse, say scientists.

  5. Ayurveda advises that people avoid eating during surya grahan, but there are exceptions for old, ailing and pregnant patients who can eat light, sattvik food that can be easily digested. Modern sciences, however, do not support any dietary restrictions.

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