If you are a person who has always been intrigued by the mystery of the Solar Eclipse and if you happen to be in Coimbatore, The Solar Fest is the place to be .The Fest is being organised at Peepal Prodigy School in the city and there's a special reason why it's in Coimbatore.
Before we tell you what that reason is, let's brush up our basics about the solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partially obscuring Earth's view of the Sun. While this seems like a normal phenomenon, why is it special this year? "The shadow of the moon can be seen from the Earth during an eclipse. This year, Coimbatore comes under the central region of the shadow. This phenomenon is called the 'ring of fire eclipse'. This won't happen for the next 100 years," shares Obuli Chandran, Science educator, Mango Education. Mango Education is a start-up which teaches science as an after-school program for kids and also organises several community-based science programmes and is also the knowledge partner for this grand event.
The event is organised by Peepal Prodigy School, Mango Education and Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi. Any individual who wishes to see the eclipse can head straight to the school and experience the spectacular show, live and also get to learn about the eclipse. "The participants can view the eclipse through a projector box, telescope and using solar filter glasses. There will be stalls where we will be explaining what an eclipse is and also break the superstitions associated with the topic," tells Obuli.
As the eclipse is from 8:06 am to 11:10 am on December 26, most of us may not get the opportunity to view the eclipse as it is a working day. But don't worry, Mango Education has a solution to this issue too. "Solar filter glasses are available at our office for Rs 20 each. The glasses were sponsored by the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum. They can also be purchased from our counter at the venue during the event," says Obuli. "If the participant attends the event, he will get to learn about the solar eclipse in detail. The event will be presided by HS Mani, Adjunct Professor of Chennai Mathematical Institute and Dr N Ratnasree, Director of Nehru Planetarium," he adds.
However, Obuli warns that there are a few things which must be taken care of during the solar eclipse. "Never use X-ray films or polarised glasses to view an eclipse as it may harm your eyes. It is advisable to use solar filter glasses only," he concludes.
