Total Solar Eclipse 22 July 2009 - Greatest Eclipse: 02:35:21 - 02:42:00 UTC/GMT (duration 06m39s)

Longest Total Solar Eclipse of the 21st Century

This century's longest total solar eclipse tomorrow (July 22nd) will traverse half the Earth. The path of totality begins in India, crosses over Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China and out into the Pacific Ocean. Partial eclipse will be visible in Asia (all of India and China) and Southeast Asia as well as the Pacific Ocean. The duration of this eclipse will not be surpassed until June 13, 2132.

First contact with Earth begins at 23h 58m UTC/GMT (July 21st), greatest totality at 02h 35m 21s UTC/GMT (July 22nd), and last contact at 05h 12m UTC/GMT.

Saturn in Virgo is said by astrologers to be a harbinger of war. An Indian astrologer, Raj Kumar Sharma of Mumbai, is reported to have said that in the last 200 years every time there has been an eclipse while Saturn is in Virgo there has been war (AFP, "Solar eclipse pits superstition against science"). But depending on the ayanamsa (sidereal correction) being used, Saturn is shown to be in either Leo or Virgo. Take your pick. Meanwhile, beneficient Jupiter is retrograde in Aquarius for the entire month. What does it mean? You tell me. I'm not an astrologer. Astrologers invited to write and give us their predictions and interpretations, and we'll publish it here. What the heck.

Both lunar and solar eclipses are regarded as inauspicious by Vedicans, or those who study the ancient Sanskrit Vedic texts, but according to some, some 45 days prior to and 45 days after the event is an especially dangerous time. Read more about the EFI, or Eclipse Field of Influence by Patita Pavana aka Miles Davis, jyotish scholar in his article Sword from the Sky.

We will take the opportunity to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare — for which there are no hard and fast rules and can be chanted any time any place. Whether in a fearful situation or to commemorate a joyful occasion, this mantra is all-auspicious. Sing it or simply recite it — loudly and in a group is more potent — and see for yourself the effect of chanting. You don't have to wait for an eclipse. But tomorrow's as good a day as any to chant Hare Krishna.