<ul><li>Common beliefs during the <keyword id="6699518" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-eclipse">solar eclipse</keyword> propagate shielding pregnant women and avoiding food.</li><li>While these superstitions may be popular, they are not backed by scientific reasoning.</li><li>Here’s why the solar eclipse is nothing more than the interplay of shadows between the Sun, the Moon and the Earth.</li></ul>It’s not uncommon for the movements of the Sun and the Moon to be associated with superstitions. When it comes to today’s <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/solar-eclipse-2019-ring-of-fire-pictures-must-see/articleshow/72976086.cms">‘Ring of Fire’ solar eclipse</a>, it’s no different. A solar eclipse is an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/modi-missed-the-ring-of-fire-solar-eclipse-heres-how-you-can-still-catch-a-glimpse/articleshow/72975666.cms">astronomical event</a> which leaves most people in awe and wonder. But, centuries ago when people could not explain the origin of such an event, it was seen as a bad omen. From keeping pregnant women away from the glare to throwing out your pickles, here are some superstitions around the solar eclipse with no scientific evidence to back them up: 1. It’s an ‘evil time’ — the <keyword id="3273492" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="surya-grahan">Surya Grahan</keyword> According to Hindu mythology, the solar eclipse is the time when two serpent demons — Rahu and Ketu — are trying to eat up the Sun, in order to stifle all life on Earth. In some communities, people bang pots and pans during the span of the solar eclipse in order to keep the ‘demons’ at bay. Such beliefs aren’t only popular in India but in other cultures as well. In Vietnam, for example, people believe that the solar eclipse is when a giant frog devours the Sun. In Norse culture, it’s the wolves. In reality, it’s just the Moon passing in between the Sun and the Earth. It normally only lasts a few minutes — the longest solar eclipse hit seven and a half minutes. If it is demons, they’re not very good at keeping their food down. 2. Don’t eat anything! <a href="https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/culture/do-donts-during-solar-eclipse">Art of Living</a> recommends not cooking or eating during the solar eclipse. They claim that since the Sun’s blue and ultraviolet radiation is a natural disinfectant, "the rays do not perform their usual role of cleansing our food" during an eclipse. A few people throw away pickled food as they believe than eclipse can "spoil" it. The Astronomical Society of India (ASI) doesn’t agree. "It‘s just a play of shadows, the sun, moon and earth don’t change their basic nature. There is no change in the rays of suns; it is the same thing if a person stood in the shadow of a building," <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/science/lunar-eclipse-astronomers-dispel-superstition-about-eating-during-the-eclipse/story-tT8mciP2YUlmTYv62egEQL.html">Aniket Sule</a> during an outreach programme. Food does not go bad and if you’re having indigestion, you shouldn’t be blaming the Sun for your burps and farts. 3. Keep the pregnant women away A common superstition during the solar eclipse is that pregnant women need to be shielded. The ‘harmful effects of the growth of microorganisms’ could have adverse effects. Another myth says that pregnant women shouldn’t hold knives and sharp objects because it could leave a birthmark on the child. "It does not have a basis in medical science but all our patients are saying that they won’t step out during the eclipse," said Anuradha Kapur, director and head of the gynaecology unit at the Max Hospital told <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/science/lunar-eclipse-astronomers-dispel-superstition-about-eating-during-the-eclipse/story-tT8mciP2YUlmTYv62egEQL.html">Hindustan Times</a>. Kapur advises pregnant women to at least drink normally in order to avoid weakness that could harm the unborn child. 4. Don’t travel While it’s true that you shouldn’t get distracted by the solar eclipse as you drive, there’s no scientific reason to restrict your travel during the celestial event. AAA recommends keeping a little extra distance from other cars and driving with the headlights on, but other than that — you’re good to go on the road. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/dos-and-donts-during-solar-eclipse-surya-grahan-what-you-must-know/articleshow/72958353.cms">Do's And Don'ts During Solar Eclipse, Surya Grahan – What You Must Know</a>

No, the solar eclipse 2021 won’t harm your baby — or your achaar

<ul><li>This year's total <keyword id="6699518" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-eclipse">solar eclipse</keyword> is scheduled to take place on 10 June 2121.</li><li>Unlike a lunar eclipse, people should exercise caution while viewing a solar eclipse in order to protect their eyes.</li><li>Here are a few do’s and don’ts for solar eclipse you need to bear in mind as the eclipse happens.</li></ul>The first solar eclipse or surya grahan this year will happen on June 10. Across the world, there are many myths and superstitions associated with eclipses — <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/no-the-solar-eclipse-wont-harm-your-baby-or-your-achaar/articleshow/72974566.cms">like keeping children and pregnant women away or avoiding travel</a> — and not all of it holds true. However — unlike lunar eclipses — there is a certain level of precaution that everyone must exercise when viewing any solar eclipse in order to protect their eyes. It also holds true for looking at the Sun directly on normal days. Looking directly at Earth's star can damage the eyes because of how bright the light is. During the eclipse, it's especially important to be cautious since you'll be looking at the Sun for an extended period of time in order to catch its various features like the 'diamond ring' effect and 'Bailey's Beads'. <div type="image" title="VS" msid="79698415" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bailey&amp;#39;s Beads (L) and the &amp;#39;diamong ring&amp;#39; effect (R) during the 2017 total solar eclipse&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Do’s during a solar eclipse Even during a normal day, people are advised not to stare directly at the Sun. So when it comes to the solar eclipse, one should use special-purpose solar filters or ‘eclipse glasses’ in order to protect their eyes, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (<a href="https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/static/img/eclipse-kit/NASA_Eclipse_Activity_Guide.pdf">NASA</a>), It also advises against using homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses. Even the darkest pair of sunglasses would still transmit far too much sunlight that could damage the eyes. That being said, even while using eclipse glasses, NASA recommends shielding one’s eyes before looking up at the sky during a solar eclipse. Only remove the glasses if you’ve completely looked away or once the solar eclipse is over — not before. While it’s tempting to use a camera to capture the event or use a telescope or binoculars to catch a closer view, scientists advise against it — even if a person is using eclipse glasses at the time. In doing so, one runs the risk of the concentrated solar rays could causing injury. For near or farsighted, they don’t need to take off their glasses in order to view the eclipse. The eclipse glasses can just go over them. In case that feels uncomfortable, they have the option to opt for a hand-held viewer instead. Don’ts during the solar eclipse Driving during a solar eclipse isn’t recommended. According to the American Automobile Association (<a href="https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/aaa-tips-drivers-solar-eclipse/">AAA</a>), people should drive with their headlights on and safely park their car before observing the event — with adequate protection with the proper gear. But life isn’t perfect, and circumstances may dictate that one may have to be on the road. In such cases, watch out for other distracted drivers. AAA advises drivers should keep some additional space between cars and account for the fact they’ll be driving slower on the day. In case you’re going to be watching the solar eclipse with children, make sure to supervise. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/no-the-solar-eclipse-wont-harm-your-baby-or-your-achaar/articleshow/72974566.cms">No, the solar eclipse won’t harm your baby — or your achaar</a>

The dos and don’ts of a Solar Eclipse — what you need to know to protect yourself

<ul><li>On June 12, 2020, the world will see the first <keyword id="6699518" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-eclipse">solar eclipse</keyword> for the year 2020. </li><li>This is a total solar eclipse that can be seen from many parts of India. </li><li>Here are a few do’s and don’ts for solar eclipse you need to bear in mind as the eclipse happens. </li></ul>2020 will see the year’s first solar eclipse on June 12. Eclipses are some interesting astronomical events that are watched with awe and wonder. Since the days of yore, there have been some beliefs associated with eclipses across different cultures — <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/no-the-solar-eclipse-wont-harm-your-baby-or-your-achaar/articleshow/72974566.cms">like keeping children and pregnant women away or avoiding travel</a>. But, they are only superstitions. Here are some practical dos and don’ts of a solar eclipse: Do’s during a solar eclipse According to the National Astronomical Space Administration (<a href="https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/static/img/eclipse-kit/NASA_Eclipse_Activity_Guide.pdf">NASA</a>), the only safe way to observe the solar eclipse is using special-purpose solar filters or ‘eclipse glasses’. Viewers are advised against using homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses — even the darkest pair that they own — because they would transmit far too much sunlight that could damage the eyes. Even with eclipse glasses, shield your eyes before looking up at the Sun. Only remove the glasses if you’ve completely looked away — not before. Scientists also caution against other methods of looking at the sun like using a camera, a telescope, and binoculars — even if you’re using your eclipse glasses at the time. The concentrated solar rays could cause injury. If you wear glasses in your day-to-day, do not take them off. The eclipse glasses can just go over them or invest in a hand-held viewer. Don’ts during the solar eclipse Don’t try and watch the solar eclipse as you drive. According to <a href="https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/aaa-tips-drivers-solar-eclipse/">AAA</a>, you should drive with your headlight on and safely park your car before you gazing at the event — with adequate protection. Since you probably won’t be the only one on the road, watch out for other distracted drivers. AAA advises that you keep some additional space between cars and slow down so that you’ll have more time to make an emergency manoeuvre if required. If you’re going to watching the solar eclipse with children, make sure to supervise. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/no-the-solar-eclipse-wont-harm-your-baby-or-your-achaar/articleshow/72974566.cms">No, the solar eclipse won’t harm your baby — or your achaar</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/solar-eclipse-2019-ring-of-fire-pictures-must-see/articleshow/72976086.cms">10 stunning pictures you must see if you missed the 'Ring of Fire' solar eclipse</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/modi-missed-the-ring-of-fire-solar-eclipse-heres-how-you-can-still-catch-a-glimpse/articleshow/72975666.cms">Modi missed the ‘Ring of Fire’ solar eclipse— here’s how you can still catch a glimps</a>e

Do's and Don'ts during Solar Eclipse, Surya Grahan – what you must know

Continents including South America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia will be viewing the partial lunar eclipse that will happen on July 16, 2019. If you are excited about this very rare astronomical event and would like to know what to do and what not to do during the eclipse, here are the facts that will give you a clear picture. Know about the lunar eclipse on July 16, 2019 A lunar eclipse happens when the sun, earth and the moon occur in a straight line. The lunar eclipse is the result of the earth’s shadow falling on the moon while the earth passes in between the sun and the moon. There are three kinds of lunar eclipses namely penumbral lunar eclipse, partial lunar eclipse and total lunar eclipse. A penumbral lunar eclipse results when the moon passes through the penumbral shadow of the earth. A partial lunar eclipse happens when only a portion of the moon passes through the earth’s umbral shadow and a total lunar eclipse occurs when the entire moon moves through the earth’s umbral shadow. On July 16, 2019, the world will see only a partial lunar eclipse. The total duration of the upcoming lunar eclipse will be 3 hours between 01:31 am and 04:29 am on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 in India. The maximum eclipse will happen at around 3:00 am when the moon will look the darkest. Dos and Don’ts during a lunar eclipse If you want to watch the lunar eclipse, do it without any fears. Lunar eclipse is a rare astronomical event that happens once in a while. Also, every eclipse is uniquely spectacular in its own way. Unlike what can result from watching a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to watch with naked eyes. While encouraging people to watch lunar eclipse by moving outdoors during the event, Arvind Paranjpye, Director, Nehru Planetarium at Mumbai says, "Eclipses are regular phenomenon like rainbow and they have no effect of any kind on human beings or for that matter on any being. And moreover, lunar eclipse is not harmful to watch with the naked eyes. Elders should take children out and show them this celestial treat and help them develop a scientific temper.” Some superstitions associated with the lunar eclipse enjoin people not to eat and never to go outdoors during the eclipse. Temples are closed and people take a head bath and clean the kitchen after making the next meal. Scientists rule out all these activities as mere superstitions. How to get the best out of the lunar eclipse on July 16, 2019 Watch the rare astronomical event of this lunar eclipse by moving outdoors. Never fear to watch the lunar eclipse with naked eyes. If you wish to enhance your viewing experience, use a good binocular or telescope. Almost all the planetariums arrange to facilitate the live watching of the lunar eclipse through some powerful devices. Cast aside all the superstitions connected with the lunar eclipse. Never fear to drink or eat during the eclipse. Carry something to munch and sit outdoors watching the eclipse. If you inhabit an urban area, move to a place that is free of city lights and focus your attention on the moon to get a clearer view of the moon. The best suited places to view a lunar eclipse are rural areas especially if they enjoy clear skies during the event.

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No, the solar eclipse 2021 won’t harm your baby — or your achaar

Prabhjote Gill

The dos and don’ts of a Solar Eclipse — what you need to know to protect yourself

Prabhjote Gill

Do's and Don'ts during Solar Eclipse, Surya Grahan – what you must know

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Lunar Eclipse - Dos and Don'ts for today's Partial lunar eclipse in India

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