LONGEST EVER SOLAR ECLIPSE IN INDIA TOMORROW..JULY 22 2009


As astronomers and astrologers are debating over longest total solar eclipse of the century, the second celestial event in the series of triple eclipse phenomenon, the people in the region are eagerly waiting for what the science enthusiasts call an opportunity and religious sceptics a bad omen.

The first series of the triple eclipses in india was on July 6 2009 , followed by a solar eclipse on July 22(tomorrow ) , and another solar eclipse in india on August 6 2009.

Occurring at the sunrise on July 22 morning in the region, this rare celestial activity will, however, be partially viewed in the state while the eastward journey of moving shadow of the moon on earth presenting a clear view of the solar eclipse. It will start from Surat in Gujarat and towards parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, then covering Gaya in Bihar with clearest view and culminate in Dibrugarh in Assam, till 10.30 am.

The journey of the partial view of the solar eclipse in the region(AP India) can be seen from 5.30 am to 7.30 am. The longest period of total solar eclipse at Surat will be of about 3 minutes and a few seconds, according to experts.

The triple eclipse phenomenon has seen lunar eclipse on July 7 and another lunar eclipse will follow this total solar eclipse on August 6.

Interestingly, the solar eclipse falling on July 22 will be the longest solar eclipse in india of the 21st century. The total solar eclipse in india 2009 is expected to last for 6 minutes and 44 seconds, making it the longest eclipse till 2132.


The last such triple eclipse phenomenon had occurred in 1979. The next total solar eclipse will be seen in India in 2034. In the last few years, there has only been one eclipse each in 2000, 2001, 2002 , 2004, 2005 and 2006.