The first solar eclipse of 2022 – everything you need to know

• The first solar eclipse of the year 2022 will happen on April 30, the last day of the month.
• NASA has listed the places on the earth from where the solar eclipse will be visible.
• The space agency categorises the upcoming solar eclipse as a partial one.

Sky gazers and astrologists eagerly await eclipses and a few solar and lunar eclipses happen in a typical year. While 2022 will see four lunar eclipses, in this year, there will be only two solar eclipses. The first of the two solar eclipses in 2022 will happen on April 30th, which will also be the last day of the month.

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), the space agency of the United States, has published a notification containing some interesting details about the upcoming solar eclipse. The first solar eclipse of 2022 to take place on April 30th will be a partial one and can be watched from regions including southern South America, Antarctica, and the Southern and Pacific Oceans.

What NASA says about the partial solar eclipse?

NASA’s official release says, “As it sets in the west on the evening of April 30, the Sun will appear partially eclipsed for those with clear skies in Chile, Argentina, most of Uruguay, western Paraguay, southwestern Bolivia, southeastern Peru and a small part of southwestern Brazil.”

As per the Indian timings of the solar eclipse, the Surya Grahan will start at 12:15 on April 30, 2022 and will end at 4:07 am on May 1, 2022.

Will the first solar eclipse of 2022 be visible from India?

Many sky enthusiasts are very eager to know if the solar eclipse on April 30 can be seen from India. Unfortunately, you can’t see this eclipse by staying in India since the country will have its night around the time of this eclipse and the sun will be shining on the other part of the earth which will have its daytime. However, a number of broadcasting platforms cover the episode of the eclipse live and you can watch them in real time or later on their channels or websites.

NASA will offer a live telecast of the solar eclipse on April 30, 2022 on their social media channels. NASA’s YouTube channel will also do a live telecast of the event.

Dos and Don’ts during solar eclipse

Science and astrology make some recommendations on what to do and what not to do during eclipses. A solar eclipse is a spectacular event. However, during a solar eclipse, strong electromagnetic waves are radiated from the sun’s surface and hence watching it with naked eyes can result in serious harm to the vision. The safer way to watch solar eclipse is on broadcasting platforms, or through telescopes and projectors.

Astrology advises to refrain from consuming food and water during the time of the eclipse. Pregnant women are advised not to expose themselves to the sunlight during the time of eclipse. Using sharp objects is prohibited during this time and the best way to spend the eclipse time is to worship and pray which is said to give immense benefits.