Millions of Indians are expected to witness the longest solar eclipse, 11 minutes at its peak, in more than 1,000 years on January 15. You will have to wait for another 25 years to witness the next total/annual solar eclipse from the Indian soil.
On January 15, the annular eclipse will commence at 11 a.m. and end at 3.15 p.m., reaching its peak at 1 p.m.
In Bangalore, 85 per cent of the sun will be eclipsed at its peak.
However, never watch with the celestial event with naked eyes. Instead, watching it through a safe solar filter is both exciting and safe, say experts.
Sujatha Virdhe, a former scientist with the Indian Space Research Organisation, says she has developed a solar filter under the brand name Nebula Solar Goggles. The double-layer silver coated filter of the goggles will block ultraviolet radiation, and reflect all infrared radiation. The goggles, with an optical density of 5, are completely safe for watching the eclipse, she says. The goggles, priced at Rs. 25 a pair, are available at the Science Corners at the Planetarium on Raj Bhavan Road and the Visvesvaraya Science and Technology Museum on Kasturba Road; at all Sapna Book House branches, Gangarams, Axis and Higginbothams and other major bookstores. Log on to www.lgreenventures.com, for details. Eye specialists say viewing the eclipse unscientifically exposes the eyes to infrared radiations that can damage to the retina, leading to blindness.
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