When I first heard that Channel U will simulcast the process live from China, I didn’t know what the significance of this eclipse is that makes it worth a simulcast.
Ancient Chinese intepreted solar eclipses as the Sun being eaten by the Dog of Heaven. They believed the noises from drums and gongs could drive the dog away, thereby restoring daylight.
After googling for information related to solar eclipse and in particular this coming one, I then realized this is the longest total solar eclipse (of more than 6 minutes) which can seen by the most number of people on Earth (in countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China). The next total solar eclipse of such magnitude will only happen in year 2132!
Solar eclipses happen several times a year, but total solar eclipses are rare. It has been estimated that we may have to wait as long as 500 years for a chance to see a total solar eclipse from exactly where we live! Most of the time, total solar eclipse may only be visible from “ulu” places on Earth which are not accessible.Hence, many astronomy enthusiasts from over the world have already traveled to China to witness this event of a life time!
Lovely solar eclipses are possible because of a lucky coincidence. Although the Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also about 400 times farther away. From our point of view, the Sun and the Moon appear to be the same size.
It is estimated that in 600 million years, the Moon would have drifted further away from Earth, and the Sun will increase in size over this timescale, meaning the Moon will no longer be able to completely cover the Sun's disk. Therefore the last total solar eclipse on Earth will occur in slightly less than 600 million years!
During a total solar eclipse, the Sun “disappears” rather suddenly, the bright-blue sky "vanishes," the temperature drops, darkness descends, and stars can be seen. Cities have to turn on street lamps and lightings to avoid road accidents as it will be as dark as the night.
Studies have shown that certain animals exhibit unusual and extreme behaviors during a solar eclipse. Birds may become afraid and crowd together in the trees. Cattle may become nervous, quiet and restless. It is reported in the news that zoos in those parts of China where total eclipse happen have made preparations so that the animals do not hurt themselves with any abnormal or hysterical behaviors.
Although we will not be able to witness this from Singapore, Channel U will bring to you “live” what they see in China cities such as Chengdu, Wuhan, Tongling and Hangzhou.
The programme will not just only be cameras staring into the sky, there will also be interesting topics like why and how do eclipses occur, why is a total solar eclipse so captivating, comparisons of past and current observations and studies, how eclipses affect and fascinate both the western and eastern cultures in different ways etc.
Don’t miss this rare chance to see the “full action” on TV… If you are not able to catch the live simulcast in the morning from 8-11am, remember to catch the half hour special highlights at 11.30pm on Wed!
In Hindu mythology, solar eclipse occur when the bodiless demon Rahu swallows the Sun in revenge. The eclipse ends when the Sun slips out of his open neck.
I FREAKING GONNA WATCH IT TMR MORNING I TELL U'LL...!! SUN SWALLOWED BY DOG OF HEAVEN...!! 天狗日食!!
Certain animals will show abnormal or hysterical behaviors.
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