July 22nd 2009 total solar eclipse!!!

sudokuxyz · Jul 21st, 2009, 12:41

Hi,
If anyone is in Varanasi right now, please update us on weather and cloud conditions.
And a silly question. Do you recommend watching the eclipse from a Boat on the Ganges or from one of the Ghats. If Ghats, which one?

haydn · Jul 22nd, 2009, 05:35

another IMPORTANT health warning: on no account should anyone be attempting a Salute to the Sun (Surya Namaskar) during a solar eclipse, especially a totality!
The danger of physical and/or psychological damage is just too great.

Be safe and enjoy...

rtandon · Jul 22nd, 2009, 09:32

In spite of my plans and close proximity, I could not visit Varanasi and nearby areas, which I had shortlisted.

However, I just watched on the television that the view at Varanasi was great. International and Indian visitors did have a lot of apprehension in respect of cloud cover. Some weather prediction resources had also mentioned of scattered thunderstorm Yet it was good for all concerned that the visibility was good and everyone present there at Varanasi area open sky did witness one of the great astrological events of our lifetime.

Cheers to all of you. Though I shall for sure have a reasonable cause to regret, yet it will also be associated with a feeling of satisfaction that guests from other countries to India and to my home state did enjoy and that they would have memories to cherish.

palerider · Jul 22nd, 2009, 11:03

They said there were close to half a million people in Benares.
Must have been amazing.!

livinhimalayas · Jul 22nd, 2009, 11:10

The only place where they saw the diamond ring in India was at Varanasi - so all of you who were there - great show eh!

Sharpened Lyrics · Jul 22nd, 2009, 21:47

The total solar eclipse in Varanasi was completely mindblowing! What a perfect view from the roof terrace of our hotel. The corona was clearly visible, we saw stars, it was incredible. Sorry to all of those in other parts of India, China and Japan who had clouds but Shiva obviously looked upon Varanasi favourably this morning!
Pictures to follow.

Nick-H · Jul 23rd, 2009, 01:31

Congratulations to all you lucky totality views. I didn't even bother to set the alarm for Chennai's 65%.

Looking forward to those pics

theyyamdancer · Jul 23rd, 2009, 01:51

The so-called "diamond ring" effect is actually called "Baily's beads" in honour of Francis Baily who first noted the phenomenon in 1836.

Indizen · Jul 23rd, 2009, 01:53

It was fun to watch the celestial event, but it seemed over-hyped by the popular media networks.

MonkeyBoy4u · Jul 23rd, 2009, 02:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Congratulations to all you lucky totality views. I didn't even bother to set the alarm for Chennai's 65%.

Looking forward to those pics

same here Delhi was normal at 80% except for some of the guys (milkman , newspaper guy, driver) did not turn up due to the eclipse !!!!

livinhimalayas · Jul 29th, 2009, 11:24

Great pictures of the eclipse here from across Asia take a look.

beautyanddabeast · Sep 12th, 2009, 03:06

We (I[I had been to India twice in the early 80's] and my wife and our 7 y.o. son- both first timers) just flew back from India on August 31st after arriving in New Delhi and flying directly to Varanasi on July 15th. We had planned to spend a little more time in fewer places during this trip, hence the seven day stay in Varanasi, leading up to the eclipse on the 22nd. We had the best room in the Sita G.H. overlooking the river, just south of the Dasawamadeh (sp?) ghat and our intention was to allow our 7 y.o. to establish a base so he would feel more secure and it all worked out very, very well. For the six days preceding the eclipse, we woke up at around 5-6am everyday becuz of our jet lag and we were only able to see the sun at dawn one time and even on that day, it clouded up very soon after the sunrise. On the day before the eclipse, i went out at dawn to Dasawamadeh Ghat to check out a good position for eclipse/people viewing and it started to pour rain that lasted about 45 minutes!! So, my hopes of seeing a clear eclipse were not very high. I was at peace with it, though. We had come from the states to see India but it would've been nice to see the eclipse to start the trip off. But,hey, if that's the way the Gods wanted it, then who am I to protest!! But the 22nd turned out GREAT!!!! It was a little overcast at dawn but this soon cleared up as the total phase approached. We all were sitting about 15 feet up the steps from the Ganges at Dasawamadeh and the energy was incredible. It wasn't hugely overcrowded (i wasn't in fear for my 7 y.o.) but there were alot of people. I had never seen a total solar eclipse before and as the last minute or so counted down to the total phase, the energy level just went waaaaaaayyyyyyy up around us and as the Great Shadow finally swept across us, there was this huge collective sigh of amazement/wonder as the moon did it's perfect black circle thing!! It was unbelievable!!! It was the most incredible thing that I have ever seen!!! The total period seemed to last forever (it was 3 minutes!) and when the sun finally sent a spear of sunlight streaming out into the darkness, a loud cry of joy erupted from the crowd. It was a very beautiful experience and I am so glad that i was able to experience it with my wife and son in such a place. Varanasi is incredible!! (by the way, thank you, Indiamike, for providing us with so much good information about India before our trip!!) --- Ron

beautyanddabeast · Sep 12th, 2009, 04:34

My husband, 7 year old son and I were in Varanasi during the solar eclipse. How can I describe my experience? It was like being part of the ancient tribe when Moses parted the red sea...

bazmati · Sep 12th, 2009, 13:05

Oh it's lovely to read of your experience - it has brought tears to my eyes actually recalling that enchanting moment! We were so blessed by the weather as the Gods were truly shining on us in the ancient Holy City of Lights!
My little daughter had a high fever the night before so I let her sleep during the eclipse while I went to the roof terrace of the guest house ... Words don't really come close to describing it's magic - even though I had seen 2 previously - it is still just as mind blowing ... the undeniable feeling of being connected to something so powerful and of course the undeniable fact of Unity ... All is One ...a profoundly spiritual experience and it's no accident that it brought us all to such special place .... thanks for sharing your stories! Happy Travels to you all!

gabriji · Sep 12th, 2009, 13:35

Hi all,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei1doRbe4f4

It was CRAAZYYY!!

;-)

gabri

Jul 21st, 2009, 12:41	#91
sudokuxyz Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: India Posts: 1	Weather Hi, If anyone is in Varanasi right now, please update us on weather and cloud conditions. And a silly question. Do you recommend watching the eclipse from a Boat on the Ganges or from one of the Ghats. If Ghats, which one?

Jul 22nd, 2009, 09:32	#93
rtandon Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India Posts: 125	Great view at Varanasi In spite of my plans and close proximity, I could not visit Varanasi and nearby areas, which I had shortlisted. However, I just watched on the television that the view at Varanasi was great. International and Indian visitors did have a lot of apprehension in respect of cloud cover. Some weather prediction resources had also mentioned of scattered thunderstorm Yet it was good for all concerned that the visibility was good and everyone present there at Varanasi area open sky did witness one of the great astrological events of our lifetime. Cheers to all of you. Though I shall for sure have a reasonable cause to regret, yet it will also be associated with a feeling of satisfaction that guests from other countries to India and to my home state did enjoy and that they would have memories to cherish. __________________ -- Rajeev

Jul 22nd, 2009, 11:03	#94
palerider this is Brad. He's cute Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Armidale, N.S.W., Australia Posts: 2,226	They said there were close to half a million people in Benares. Must have been amazing.! __________________ I always wanted to be someone when I grew up, I realise now that I should have been more specific.

Jul 22nd, 2009, 11:10	#95
livinhimalayas still learning Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Abode of Snow Posts: 3,342	The only place where they saw the diamond ring in India was at Varanasi - so all of you who were there - great show eh! __________________ He that would live in peace and at ease must not speak all he knows or all he sees. - Benjamin Franklin

Jul 23rd, 2009, 01:51	#98
theyyamdancer lost in Mechuka member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Crete Posts: 4,426	The so-called "diamond ring" effect is actually called "Baily's beads" in honour of Francis Baily who first noted the phenomenon in 1836. __________________ "Wandering seemed no more than the happiness of an anxious man." - Albert Camus

Jul 22nd, 2009, 05:35	#92
haydn yumm! Join Date: May 2007 Location: blue mountains Posts: 170	another IMPORTANT health warning: on no account should anyone be attempting a Salute to the Sun (Surya Namaskar) during a solar eclipse, especially a totality! The danger of physical and/or psychological damage is just too great. Be safe and enjoy...

Jul 22nd, 2009, 21:47	#96
Sharpened Lyrics Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK Posts: 32	The total solar eclipse in Varanasi was completely mindblowing! What a perfect view from the roof terrace of our hotel. The corona was clearly visible, we saw stars, it was incredible. Sorry to all of those in other parts of India, China and Japan who had clouds but Shiva obviously looked upon Varanasi favourably this morning! Pictures to follow.

Jul 23rd, 2009, 01:31	#97
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,234	Congratulations to all you lucky totality views. I didn't even bother to set the alarm for Chennai's 65%. Looking forward to those pics

Jul 23rd, 2009, 01:53	#99
Indizen Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: MUMBAI Posts: 2,507	It was fun to watch the celestial event, but it seemed over-hyped by the popular media networks.

Jul 29th, 2009, 11:24	#101
livinhimalayas still learning Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Abode of Snow Posts: 3,342	Great pictures of the eclipse here from across Asia take a look.

Sep 12th, 2009, 03:06	#102
beautyanddabeast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 6	We (I[I had been to India twice in the early 80's] and my wife and our 7 y.o. son- both first timers) just flew back from India on August 31st after arriving in New Delhi and flying directly to Varanasi on July 15th. We had planned to spend a little more time in fewer places during this trip, hence the seven day stay in Varanasi, leading up to the eclipse on the 22nd. We had the best room in the Sita G.H. overlooking the river, just south of the Dasawamadeh (sp?) ghat and our intention was to allow our 7 y.o. to establish a base so he would feel more secure and it all worked out very, very well. For the six days preceding the eclipse, we woke up at around 5-6am everyday becuz of our jet lag and we were only able to see the sun at dawn one time and even on that day, it clouded up very soon after the sunrise. On the day before the eclipse, i went out at dawn to Dasawamadeh Ghat to check out a good position for eclipse/people viewing and it started to pour rain that lasted about 45 minutes!! So, my hopes of seeing a clear eclipse were not very high. I was at peace with it, though. We had come from the states to see India but it would've been nice to see the eclipse to start the trip off. But,hey, if that's the way the Gods wanted it, then who am I to protest!! But the 22nd turned out GREAT!!!! It was a little overcast at dawn but this soon cleared up as the total phase approached. We all were sitting about 15 feet up the steps from the Ganges at Dasawamadeh and the energy was incredible. It wasn't hugely overcrowded (i wasn't in fear for my 7 y.o.) but there were alot of people. I had never seen a total solar eclipse before and as the last minute or so counted down to the total phase, the energy level just went waaaaaaayyyyyyy up around us and as the Great Shadow finally swept across us, there was this huge collective sigh of amazement/wonder as the moon did it's perfect black circle thing!! It was unbelievable!!! It was the most incredible thing that I have ever seen!!! The total period seemed to last forever (it was 3 minutes!) and when the sun finally sent a spear of sunlight streaming out into the darkness, a loud cry of joy erupted from the crowd. It was a very beautiful experience and I am so glad that i was able to experience it with my wife and son in such a place. Varanasi is incredible!! (by the way, thank you, Indiamike, for providing us with so much good information about India before our trip!!) --- Ron

Sep 12th, 2009, 04:34	#103
beautyanddabeast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 6	bellagonnagirl My husband, 7 year old son and I were in Varanasi during the solar eclipse. How can I describe my experience? It was like being part of the ancient tribe when Moses parted the red sea...

Sep 12th, 2009, 13:05	#104
bazmati Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: earth Posts: 8	Oh it's lovely to read of your experience - it has brought tears to my eyes actually recalling that enchanting moment! We were so blessed by the weather as the Gods were truly shining on us in the ancient Holy City of Lights! My little daughter had a high fever the night before so I let her sleep during the eclipse while I went to the roof terrace of the guest house ... Words don't really come close to describing it's magic - even though I had seen 2 previously - it is still just as mind blowing ... the undeniable feeling of being connected to something so powerful and of course the undeniable fact of Unity ... All is One ...a profoundly spiritual experience and it's no accident that it brought us all to such special place .... thanks for sharing your stories! Happy Travels to you all!

Sep 12th, 2009, 13:35	#105
gabriji Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: mumbai Posts: 14	eclipse! Hi all, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei1doRbe4f4 It was CRAAZYYY!! ;-) gabri __________________ Resident

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