'Scientists keen to study solar corona

Ahmedabad\Surat: With rain Gods not willing to let go, it is becoming difficult for sky gazers to get a clear view of the total solar eclipse that is to take place in the morning hours of Wednesday. Incessant rain on Tuesday and layers of heavy clouds in the skies of the city and in the path where total eclipse can be viewed have dampened the spirits of many.
But, Narendra Bhandari, co-coordinator of country's moon mission and a scientist of Indian Satellite Research Organization (ISRO), in his telephonic talk with TOI said, "It looks extremely difficult at this stage that we will be able to view this once in a life time cosmic event due to the layers of dense clouds." But on an optimistic note he recalled his own experience of the D-day of the moon yarn mission. "Similar situation prevailed that day too. We could not see anything in the sky, but suddenly skies cleared for ten minutes and the mission was accomplished."
According to Dhanjay Raval of Astronomers' Society and convener of the workshop at Atmiya Vidya Mandir at Bharthana near Kamrej, some 30 km from the city, "If there is no rain, we may be able to view shadow of moon moving in extreme darkness from west to east even in a cloudy situation. But, if it's raining at the time of the eclipse, we won't be able to see anything."
"However, there are serious researchers who have made arrangements to go above the clouds and follow the path of total solar eclipse," said Bhandari, adding, "Their main subject of study will be solar corona. Generally, changes are witnessed after five years. But, it's been seven years and it is quiet. Study of this eclipse may help them find answers to it." "Ionosphere and atmosphere will be the main subjects of study for these solar scientists," said Bhandari. Calling himself a casual student of the phenomenon, he said that he was here to teach children about the shadow bands and beautiful solar rings that are formed during such eclipse.