Solar Eclipse on 22 July 2009 - India and World Forecasts

[Update January 15th, 2010]: for information on Surya Grahan on 15th January 2010, please go here.

There will be a complete Solar Eclipse on 22nd July 2009. According to Hindu date it will be on Shravan month Krishna paksha (dark half) 30, Wednesday, Samvat 2066. This eclipse will be visible throughout India. According to Indian Standard Time, Solar Eclipse will be seen between 5:31 AM to 7:25 AM. This eclipse will be on Pushya Nakshatra and Cancer Sign (Karka Rashi).

Eclipses are of four types - total, annular, hybrid and partial (see the box). Interestingly among 224 solar eclipses in 21st century, this solar eclipse on 22nd July will have longest duration of totality. As a side note, the longest annular eclipse of 21st century will be on January 15, 2010. So we are going to observe some of the rarest eclipses of this century.

There are four types of solar eclipses:

1. A total eclipse occurs when the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon.
2. An annular eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun. Hence the Sun appears as a very bright ring, surrounding the outline of the Moon.
3. A hybrid eclipse (also called annular/total eclipse) transitions between a total and annular eclipse. At some points on the surface of the Earth it is visible as a total eclipse, whereas at others it is annular. Hybrid eclipses are comparatively rare.
4. A partial eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are not exactly in line and the Moon only partially obscures the Sun. This phenomenon can usually be seen from a large part of the Earth outside of the track of an annular or total eclipse.
   (Source: Wikipedia)

Different sources give slightly different time for start, mid and end time for eclipses. For the upcoming Solar Eclipse on 22nd July, I am getting following details for New Delhi -

NASA Solar Eclipse Calculator
Start: 5:39, Max: 6:26:35, End: 7:24:36

Shri Brajbhoomi Panchang
Start: 5:34, Max: 6:27, End: 7:25

Chintaharan Panchang
Start: Grastodit (eclipsed while rising), Max: 6:27, End: 7:25

From this we can see that there is slight difference in calculation for eclipses. Though for all practical purpose all three times should be good enough. Above eclipse times are for New Delhi, India. Exact start, max and end time for solar eclipse vary slightly for each city. If you want to find out exact time for the solar eclipse for your city, please use NASA Solar Eclipse calculator.

Max effect time for 22nd July solar eclipse is somewhere between 6:20 (Salem, Trivendrum, Mysore, Maduri, Tiruchirapalli, Cochin, Coimbatore etc.) to 6:30 (Imphal, Srinanagar). Overall eclipse time is somewhere between 5:31 IST to 7:25 IST.

We should also note that eclipse at the time of sun-rise (grastodit) is considered worst astrologically and it is happening in Allahabad, Indore, Guwahati, Jabalpur, Patana, Bhopal, Badodara, Varanasi, Siliguri, and Surat cities to name a few. Please see the eclipse google map and the eclipse chart for India for knowing the cities where sun will rise eclipsed.

Sign-wise astrological forecast for Solar Eclipse on 22nd July 2009
As I mentioned earlier, eclipse doesn’t have any significant effect on individuals and are more related to Mundane astrology (branch of astrology used to predict world affairs and world events, as opposed to individual's events). In my opinion, the eclipse predictions for each sign that we are seeing everywhere do not have much astrological value and hence I am not writing any predictions here.

For the readers who are here only for the astrological predictions for their sign, I do not want to disappoint them. Hence, I am borrowing short predictions from Chintaharan Panchang as follows -

1. Aries - Agony
2. Taurus - Financial Gain
3. Gemini - Physical Problems
4. Cancer - Hurt
5. Leo - Financial Loss
6. Virgo - Gain
7. Libra - Happiness
8. Scorpio - Defamation
9. Sagittarius - Fatal Pain
10. Capricorn - Pain to/ due to Female
11. Aquarius - Happiness
12. Pisces - Worry

(These predictions are based on Moon sign and NOT Sun sign. If you do not know your moon sign, please check our moon sign calculator here.)

Mundane Predictions for Solar Eclipse on 22nd July 2009 (India)
According to late J. C. Luthara, "the eclipse of Sun are usually followed by events which mainly concern the ruler of the country, the government of the country, high government officials, ministers, administrators, nobility, top political personages, judiciary, bureaucracy, top business magnates, high religious persons etc. but normally, it is the ruler of the country who is mainly affected. Other personals mentioned may or may not be affected."

For New Delhi, Max Time for this solar eclipse is 6:27 AM. During this time, Ascendant will be Cancer 15 degree 8 minutes. Both ascendant and Sun will be passing through Pushya Nakshatra. Sun will be in first decandate (drekkana) of Cancer and Ascendant will be in 2nd decandate of Cancer.

Cancer is a watery sign. If the eclipse falls in Cancer sign, sedition, diseases, epidemics, extreme changes in weather leading to drying up of rivers and canals etc. are indicated. More specifically, extreme change in weather is associated with the first decandate (first part) of Cancer where as "increase in prostitution, rivers and canals dry up" are results associated with second decandate (second part) of Cancer. The ascendant is rising at the time of max eclipse in New Delhi, so no wonder we are already seeing drought like situation in India. Some of these results may be applicable to the whole world, but will affect India because total eclipse will be seen in India.

According to Varahamihira, if Sun rises eclipsed there will be danger to autumnal crops as well as to the king. So the rulers (Prime minister, President, Ministers of Ruling parties) can be hit by this eclipse and they should be careful this year. As the Patna and Bhopal are two state capitals where total eclipse can be seen, rulers, top officials and ministers of these states can be affected as well. Beware Manmohan Singh, Nitish Kumar and Shivraj Singh.

Astrologically Eastern India - Bihar, Jharkhand, Bangadesh, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura etc. are some of the regions that are governed by Ardra, Punarvasu and Pusya Nakshatra. As we know that the eclipse is on Pushya Nakshatra, we can observe some problems related to Eastern India. As Bihar is a part of Eastern India as well, it gives doubly indication of problems in Bihar in upcoming period.

Independence chart of India has Taurus ascendant. This eclipse is falling in Cancer sign which is the third house in the chart of India. Third house signifies communication, transportation, neighbors, and railway ministry. Eclipse in 3rd house indicates that India will not be having good relations with neighbours. We can also expect some serious border crashes this year. Mamta Banerjee’s newly formed railway ministry can also face some hardship. There can be some rail, road, air, and water accidents in general.

Mundane Predictions for Solar Eclipse on 22nd July 2009 (International)
According to Western astrology Scotland, Holland, New Zealand, North and West Africa, Isle of Mauritius, Paraguay are some of the countries related to the sign Cancer. These places, and more specifically the places which are close to sea (due to eclipse in Cancer sing) may be affected by this eclipse. Same results that are ascribed for India can also be mentioned for these countries like danger to crops and rulers, drying up of water sources etc.

Routine to be followed During Solar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse has given a lot of importance in Hinduism. At the time of the eclipse, people are suggested to observe fast, bathe in the sacred rivers. They should do charitable acts. They should donate cows, money and gold. One is suggested not not to take food during the eclipse. One should take food only after seeing the sun free from the eclipse. Pregnant women are advised not to see the eclipse otherwise the child born may have some kind of defect. Householders are forbidden from sexual intercourse on the day of the eclipse, for the same reason. Eclipse time is also considered very auspicious for sadhana (spiritual practice).

Related Articles

• Three Eclipse in a Row - Good or Bad

References

• Eclipses in 21st century
• NASA Google Eclipse map for 22nd July
• NASA Eclipse World Map
• NASA Eclipse Map for India

Three Eclipses in a Row - Good or Bad?

Whenever there is an eclipse astrologers find some method to term it as rare as well as disastrous. Upcoming three eclipses are no exceptions. We are hearing all sort of scaring predictions and prophesies for the upcoming eclipses. TRP hungry and ignorant electronic media due worsening the whole scene by showing all sort of different stories.

One article on Rediff says, "The world will witness a rare astronomical event- a series of triple eclipses starting July 2009. The fist in the series of triple eclipses will be a lunar eclipse on July 7 which will be followed by a solar eclipse on July 22 and then a lunar eclipse on August 6." The same article quotes D K Hari and his wife Hema Hari mentioning events like Kurukshethra war, destruction of city of Dwaraka, World War I, and World War II - all were followed by triple eclipses.

The first eclipse will occur on July 7, 2009, which will be visible in Australia, the Pacific and Americas. The solar eclipse on July 22, 2009 will be visible in India, Nepal, China and Central Pacific and the lunar eclipse on August 6, 2009 will be visible in America, Europe, Africa and West Asia.

Eclipses are very significant in astrology especially Mundane astrology (branch of astrology used to predict world affairs and world events, as opposed to individual's events). Generally eclipses give indications of bad happenings and that is the reason astrologers haste in predicting mishaps and destructions. For the present eclipses, we must note some very important point before we reach to any conclusion. Firstly, both the lunar eclipses on 7th July as well as 6th August are Penumbral which means partial and not fully darkening the Moon's light. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse is not regarded as eclipse for astrological as well as religious purpose, so should not be used for any astrological predictions. Any astrologer making lunar eclipses of this year as a basis of his astrological predictions is making a mistake. Also the magnitudes of Lunar eclipses are so less that it is almost insignificant even for astronomical purposes.

What will be the impact on me?
Nothing measurable. Firstly, the magnitude of lunar eclipses are insignificant. Secondly, eclipses makes noticeable impact on nations and not on individual. I'll write more about only significant eclipse on July 22nd, 2009 here so don't forget to subscribe.

Will I have to follow religious daily routine (din-charya) prescribed for eclipse?
For Lunar eclipse, No. For Solar eclipse on 22nd July, Yes. You can know more about the daily routine needs to be followed on the day of eclipse here.

Related Articles
1. Solar Eclipse on 22 July 2009 - India and World Forecasts
2. PDF of NASA's graphic illustration of visibility of Lunar Eclipse on 7th July
3. When is the Next Solar Eclipse
4. Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) Calculator & Daily Routine
5. Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) Calculator
6. My articles on Mundane Astrology

When is the Next Solar Eclipse

[Update January 15th, 2010]: for information on Surya Grahan on 15th January 2010, please go here.

Eclipse has religious and astrological importance in our life. Hindu religion advises observing a different daily routine (din-charya) on the day of eclipse. Astrology, especially Mundane astrology (branch of astrology used to predict world affairs and world events, as opposed to individual's events), uses eclipse as one of the most important tools for predictions.

Generally we rely on Panchang for knowing the exact date and time of eclipse. I have talked about eclipse calculators available on Internet and now there is another very good tool named Wolfram announced that can help us in finding eclipse related information. Wolfram is a new search engine technology that uses natural language processing to give results of query which are more than just keywords and answers graphically. I'll not talk more about Wolfram because that is not purpose of this post, rather stick to our topic of getting date and time for the next eclipse.

You can go to http://www.wolframalpha.com/ and search for "Next Solar Eclipse" to get the details of the upcoming eclipse. You can also simply click on this link and it will show you the date and time of the next eclipse. It will not only show you the date and time of the eclipse but also other important information like duration, countries where visible, graphical view (see image above) etc. I am sure it will be a very useful tool for astrologers as well as general Indian public.

Of course, Wolfram is not limited just to finding eclipses and it can be used for many other scientific, mathematical and astronomical purposes. You can try out following queries as well (just click the link) -

1. Compute Next Lunar Eclipse
2. Compute Next Solor Eclipse
3. Compute the location of Venus on 17th May 2009

Just to save your time, here are the dates and times for upcoming eclipses given by Wolfram-

Next Lunar Eclipse
3:09 PM IST on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 (Note: this is Penumbral Lunar Eclipse and doesn't regarded as eclipse for astrological as well as religious purpose)

Next Solar Eclipse
8:05 AM IST on Wednesday July 22, 2009 (Starts: 6:23 AM, Maximum: 8:05 AM, End: 9:47 AM)

My Panchang (Chinta Haran) tells following information about the complete eclipse on 22nd July -

"There will be complete Solar Eclipse on 22nd July 2009, Hindu date - 'Shravan Krishna 30, Wednesday, Samvat 2066.' This eclipse will be visible throughout India. According to Indian Standard Time, the entry time of this Solar Eclipse will be 5:28 AM. Mean time for Solar Eclipse will be 6:23 AM and the exit time will be 10:42AM. This eclipse will be on Pushya Nakshatra and Cancer Sign (Karka Rashi)."

As we can see there is slight variation in the start, maximum and end time of my Panchang and Wolfram data. I cross checked with Nasa utility and found that my Panchang calculation is little more closer to the Nasa calculation than the Wolfram calculation. Still I believe that Wolfram calculation is good enough for most proposes, also graphical representation is something that can not be found anywhere else.

If time permits, I'll also write about the forecast for this solar eclipse for everybody. Please subscribe to this blog to keep updated and get articles in your email.

Related Articles
1. Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) Calculator
2. Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) Calculator
3. My articles on Mundane Astrology

Astrologers on Rakhi (Rakshabandhan) Muhurta

I recently read one article on Internet that suggests that the sisters should tie Rakhi on brothers' hand before 11 am on the day of Rakshabandan. The suggested reason is that the Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) is coinciding with Rakshabandhan this year. Grahan is not considered good for any auspicious event. The Lunar eclipse is starting from 11.53 pm and will end at 5.27am next day for the city that the article had been published. The article states though the eclipse is starting late night, no auspicious task should be taken 12 hours before and after it. Article further states that the condition is worsening as the eclipse coincides with the season of kalsarpa dosha which is a time for disasters.

In my opinion, this is another example of how astrologers unnecessary create panic and confusion in public's mind without talking anything specific. The eclipse, as mentioned, starts almost late night and defining it precisely 12 hours doesn't make any sense to me. Will the eclipse will suddenly start showing effects from one minute after 11am? In my opinion, if 11am is safe so does 12noon.

Also the point that it is coinciding with Kalsarpa dosha is ridiculous. Kalsarpa dosha in itself is not accepted by all astrologers and it is a topic of debate among astrologer community. There is no evidence of existence of this dosha in any of our classical texts. This is a known secret in astrologers fraternity that Kalsarpa doshs is a tool for scaring people and making more money by prescribing shanti and parihar. Kalsarpa dosha is a topic for another post but my suggestion is not to worry and continue your schedule without any fear and worry for eclipse or kalsarpa dosha. If you want so, though, you can follow the dincharya (daily routine) suggested for eclipse.

Related Posts:
1. Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) Calculator
2. Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) Calculator

Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) Calculator

Today we passed the date of Surya Grahan, and now we are close to the date of Chandra Grahan that will be seen on 16th August 2008.

The eclipse timings for Delhi is as follows -

Partial Eclipse begins: 07:13 AM IST
Total Eclipse begins: 08:31 AM IST
Mid Eclipse: 08:56 AM IST
Total Eclipse ends: 09:21 AM IST
Partial Eclipse ends: 10:39 AM IST

You can also check the eclipse timings for your city at http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/JLEX/JLEX-index.html. This is a nice free utility given by NASA which can calculate Lunar Eclipse timings accurately.

Related Posts:
1. Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) Calculator

Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) Calculator

[Update January 15th, 2010]: for information on Surya Grahan on 15th January 2010, please go here.

You might be knowing that there is partial solar eclipse on August 1st, 2008. Solar Eclipse has given a lot of importance in Hinduism. At the time of the eclipse, people are suggested to bathe in the sacred rivers. They should do charitable acts. They should donate cows, money and gold. One is suggested not not to take food during the eclipse. One should take food only after seeing the sun free from the eclipse. Pregnant women are advised not to see the eclipse otherwise the child born may have some kind of defect. Householders are forbidden from sexual intercourse on the day of the eclipse, for the same reason. Eclipse time is also considered very auspicious for sadhana (spiritual practice).

Khandgrass Surya Grahan Timings in India
August 1, 2008 (15.50 IST to 18.08 IST)
It will be visible everywhere in India.

Sutak time
The Sutak will start from 3.50 a.m. (IST) of Aug 1, 2008 and continue till 6.00 p.m. (IST) or sunset of the same day whichever is earlier.

Partial Eclipse beginning and end timings
City Hrs (IST)
Delhi 16.03 to 17.57
Mumbai 16.27 to 18.04
Chennai 16.41 to 18.08
Kolkotta 16.18 to 18.03
Bangalore 16.42 to 18.07
Jammu 15.54 to 17.51
Ahemdabad 16.16 to 18.01
Guwahati 16.11 to 17.58
Hyderabad 16.30 to 18.06
in other locations, (+,-) 5-10 minutes to the above time.

If you are in some other city or country, still you can find out exact timings of solar eclipse for you. There is one very nice utility given on nasa website for calculating exact timing for Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse at http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/JSEX/JSEX-index.html.