Solar Eclipse

I think many of us are excited about the solar eclipse on 22nd July which is tomorrow. It has been many years since I last experienced one, and I remember I was quite young then, when the day turned dimmed as the sun was blocked by the passing moon.

Eclipse is a common astronomical phenomenon that is full of mythical connotations. My cina friends told me solar eclipse happens when the "heavenly dog" is eating the sun. I am sure other cultures have their own mythical beliefs too.

Scientifically, textbook tells me that solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon and it takes place when moon comes between sun and earth in a straight line. During the eclipse the moon passes over the surface of the earth. As we are at earth and we will be able to see that moon is going to block the light of sun as it totally covers the sun. This can only take place during a new moon, when sun and moon is in conjunction, as seen from earth. This is how solar eclipse takes place.

However, despite all these excitement built up by the media around the world, I won't be able to see the "longest solar eclipse" (about 6 minutes) of this century. This is because it happens in countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China). The next total solar eclipse of such magnitude will only happen in year 2132!

A pity..