The longest total solar eclipse of the century will be seen on 22nd July 2009. The magnitude of the eclipse is estimated as 1.080 and the maximum eclipse duration is calculated to be around 6 minutes 43 seconds. The eclipse (the moon’s penumbra) starts in West India touches the shore in Surat, heads towards Butan touching the southern tip of Nepal and Northern edge of Bangladesh. It crosses Himalayan Mountains and passes over the central China touching the cities Chengdu, Suining, Chonging, Wuhan, Xiaogan, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. It continues its path into the Pacific Ocean encountering islands such as Toshima and Akusaki south of Japan and ends at Marshall Islands. The path of totality will cover approximately 9,500 miles or 15,200 Km.

The next solar eclipse of this kind is estimated to occur in the next century on 13th June 2132. Eclipse chasers travel great distances to record the event. Exploratorium’s eclipse expedition team is ready to webcast this magnificent event to people around the world.

This eclipse or grahan happens to fall on Ashada Amavasya day. The Hindu scriptures recommend Deepa Puja to waive off all inauspiciousness that may occur due to the eclipse or grahan. Grahan Kaal is from 5:28 AM to 7:37 AM. Following dos and don’ts are recommended during the grahan:

• It is advisable to avoid important work or deals on the eclipse day. For example starting a new business or purchasing a home etc.
• It is customary to fast on the day of eclipse. Many Hindus fast even from water and break their fasts only after taking the holy dip in rivers or lakes. They perform ritual bath, puja, japa, havan and other ritual after the Grahan Moksh Kaal (the time when grahan is released).
• Scriptures recommend reciting Surya Stotras such as Aditya Hridayam; Maha Mritunjaya Mantram and Vishnu Stotras to bring in auspiciousness

The Hindu scriptures recommend few guidelines for pregnant women to be safe during the eclipse:

• The first and foremost precaution that every pregnant woman has to take is to avoid seeing or looking at the grahan. Even though, it is visible to naked eye, pregnant women should avoid watching grahan.
• The women advised to stay at home and avoid going out during the grahan.
• It is said that wearing or tightening sari clips, hair clips or any other pins or clips will be inauspicious. Thus avoid wearing or tightening clips.
• The pregnant women should avoid cutting vegetables or fruits or any other material. Hindus believe that cutting any material will result the pregnant women a cleft organ child.
• For normal and safe delivery, pregnant women are advised to recite Santana Gopala Swamy Mantram and Surya Stotras like Aditya Hridayam and other Surya Mantras, Maha Mritunjaya Stotram.