A team from Amateur Astronomers Association, Nehru Planetarium, Delhi
arrived in the small town of Sasaram, Rohtas (Bihar) to witness the
longest Total Solar Eclipse of the century on 22nd July, 2009.

25 enthusiastic astronomers reached Sasaram on 20th of July, 2009 and
conducted preparatory eclipse workshop at St. Paul School. Students
and faculty were made aware of solar eclipses and safe techniques to
view them. Free Solar goggles were distributed among the students.
With the help of school authorities an evening sky observation was
also conducted for the students. The efforts of the team were highly
appreciated by the locals. Local media also contributed by giving
extensive coverage to the activities of the team.
On 21th of July they explored various possible sites to view the
eclipse. On 22nd, astronomers started early, setting up their
equipments at the selected sites.

After the initial hide and seek of clouds, the astronomers were able
to observe the eclipse for more than 1minute30 seconds and
successfully performed various experiments. Many people including
District Magistrate Mr. M. Sarwanan, along with his family, were
present to witness this rare celestial event. During totality, as the
darkness engulfed the skies a few stars and planets such as Venus,
Mars and Jupiter became visible(India was the only place from where jupiter was
observed), the temperature dropped suddenly and
the wind flow increased. All those present gaped at the celestial
phenomenon with awe.

Sasaram became one of the very few places in Bihar from where total solar
eclipse
could be observed.

The team was ecstatic with the experience and are now eagerly waiting
to get under eclipse shadow again on Jan 15, 2010.


Raghu


PS details will soon be provided














































































































































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