"Ring of Fire" during Solar Eclipse: A Common Astronomical Event

Banswara: A seminar on "Solar Eclipse as a Natural Phenomenon" was organized under the Abdul Kalam Azad Science Club at Government Higher Secondary School, Amarthun. The seminar, led by Chemistry Lecturer Nasir Ali Ansari, aimed to address various queries related to solar eclipses in preparation for the concluding phase of the Prakhar Rajasthan campaign before the Nipun Mela.

At the outset, the institution's head, Arun Vyas, stated that a solar eclipse is a common astronomical event. He emphasized the urgent need to dispel myths surrounding eclipses—whether solar or lunar—in tribal-dominated rural areas.

Education and science do not accept miracles; thus, solar eclipses should be viewed as normal astronomical occurrences. Astronomical events have been happening for centuries and will continue for ages, so there is no need to harbor any false beliefs.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align in a specific angle in space, creating the "Ring of Fire." This event holds both religious and scientific significance.

Speakers mentioned that the second and final solar eclipse of the year will occur on Ashwin Amavasya, October 2 (Wednesday).

This solar eclipse will be an annular eclipse, lasting from 9:13 AM to 3:17 PM, with a total duration of 6 hours and 4 minutes. However, this eclipse will not be visible in India.

Vyas refuted predictions from astrological texts like "Brihat Samhita," which claim that when two eclipses occur in the same month, it leads to an increase in disasters and natural calamities.

### The Last Solar Eclipse of the Year

The year's last solar eclipse will be an annular eclipse. This phenomenon occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun but is too far away to completely cover the Sun. Consequently, it appears smaller, and thus does not block the Sun's rays entirely.

### Ring of Fire

During a solar eclipse, a ring-like shape appears around the Sun. This eclipse's path will primarily traverse the Pacific region, with clear visibility in countries like Chile and Argentina.

### Where the Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible

The speakers indicated that this solar event will be observable in South America, parts of Southern North America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and countries like New Zealand and Fiji, but only for a limited time. The primary countries where it will be visible include Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, and Fiji, with the annular form specifically observable only in southern Chile and southern Argentina.

The speakers explained that sometimes, as the Moon orbits, it comes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun's light from reaching the Earth. This occurrence is known as a solar eclipse, during which the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth.

### Annular Solar Eclipse

In an annular solar eclipse, the Moon is farther from the Earth and cannot fully cover the Sun. This creates a visual effect resembling a ring of fire in the sky.

### Myths About Natural Disasters

The speakers dismissed the notion that solar or lunar eclipses negatively affect the Earth. They argued that these are common astronomical events, and some people mistakenly attribute disasters like fires, earthquakes, wars, and accidents to them. Since this solar eclipse will not be visible in India, there are no specific precautions required here.

During the seminar, various speakers addressed students' questions through charts and models.

Present at the event were Kapil Verma, Dilip Kumar Meena, Parvat Singh, Harishankar, Bherulal Dodiya, Khushpal Katara, Dayashankar Charpota, Mayur Padiyar, Mukesh Patel, Badhan Lal Damor, Anup Kumar Mehta, Ms. Raina Ninama, and Ms. Pragya Adhikari, who also conducted the session. Life Lal Ninama expressed gratitude at the conclusion.