While the year 2009 witnessed altogether four lunar eclipses and two solar eclipses, it will have its last lunar eclipse on December 31.
The various phases of the eclipse would begin at 10.45 pm on December 31 and end at 3 am on January 1.
The year 2010 will witness altogether two lunar and two solar eclipses. Incidentally, the partial lunar eclipse on New Year eve is likely to dampen the spirit of New Year celebrations, which will begin on the midnight of December 31.
As many youths said, “We have been asked by the elders of our family to stay indoors and not to eat or drink during the eclipse. So many will just sit at home welcoming 2010 instead of rocking in a club or a discotheque.”
“In my family, we do not eat or drink during the eclipse hours. Even leftovers are not consumed. So I am really upset that all our plans of merry making on New Year eve have gone awry,” said Prasun Sinha, an engineering student.
“I have recommended families to stay indoors, not consume any food during the time of the eclipse. Expectant mothers should also avoid both eating or viewing the eclipse,” said the priest of a temple, N K Jha. It is better to chant religious mantras and give away alms during eclipses to reduce the ill-effects, he said.
However, astronomers getting ready to study the exact positioning of the planets during the eclipse have a different opinion. “2009 is the International Year of Astronomy as it coincides with the 400th anniversary of the first recorded astronomical observations by Galileo Galilei. It is simply movement of the Earth, the Sun and the Moon and has nothing to do with one’s destiny,” said Indira Gandhi Planetarium director Amitabh Gosh.
“People must observe this celestial spectacle and promote scientific temper inspiring future astronauts and scientists of the country. It is a natural phenomenon and why should one be afraid of it,” he added.
“Even today, people believe that during an eclipse Rahu and Ketu take charge of the universe hence it is inauspicious. But this is absolutely false,” said a physicist, A K Ray.
It is all superstition, said Progressive Youth Association member Ajit Sharma. He said that people must not be scared.
However, there are youths who do not believe in such superstitions. As Suman K Jha, an upcoming musician, said, “We have planned to party and dance the whole night. It is a scientific phenomenon and it has nothing to do with eating, drinking or making merry.”
