Eclipse Of The Century

Posted by : foongpc | Monday, July 20, 2009 | Published in

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Are you ready for the longest total solar eclipse of this century? Yes, it's happening on the 22nd July 2009!

The total eclipse will last up to 6 minutes and 39 seconds, making it the longest solar eclipse this century! We will have to wait until the year 2132 to have an eclipse longer than this one!

Unfortunately (or is it fortunately?) for Malaysians, we would not be able to experience the total eclipse, although we would be able to witness a partial eclipse.

The path of the Moon's umbral shadow will begin in India and crosses through Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China. After leaving mainland Asia, the eclipse will cross into Japan's Ryukyu Islands and curve southeast through the Pacific Ocean.



Do you know why it will be a long eclipse? Well, this is because at this time of the year, the Sun is farthest away from Earth, thus is smallest in size. Whereas the Moon is nearest to Earth, therefore it appears bigger in size. With a big Moon blocking a small Sun, what do you get? A longer eclipse, that's what!


Diagram of solar eclipse courtesy of wikimedia.org

So are you excited? Can't wait to catch the eclipse? But wait! Not so fast!

The reason why I said earlier that we in Malaysia are probably fortunate not to catch the total solar eclipse is because solar eclipse is never a good sign.

According to Joey Yap, Malaysia's famous feng shui expert, this solar eclipse will bring us bad luck especially if we are exposed to it. One minute exposure will attract one year of bad luck, two minutes will attract two years of bad luck, so imagine being exposed for a total of 20 minutes or longer! Read my post on what Joey Yap said.

T. Selva, the practitioner of Vasthu Sastra (also known as Indian feng shui), mentioned in The Star newspaper last week that this solar eclipse will create negative energies that would affect everyone. Read the article online.

According to him, any eclipse signals a time to be wary and this is especially true when it involves the Sun as all living beings are dependent on the Sun. The impact of the negative energies when the Sun is obscured causes a lack of courage, fatigue and low self-esteem. People are advised not to carry out their usual activities, not to travel and stay indoors.

Those who were born during the eclipse should take even more care than others. During this unfavourable period, every individual will experience some sort of disruption at work, home, business and travel. He advised everyone to offer prayers and clean their homes to remove all harmful energies after the eclipse.

For those staying in KL, the eclipse will start at 8.29am and end at 9.48am. The peak of the eclipse when the Moon covers the Sun the most (which to us, only covers 8% of the Sun disk since we are not in the totality path) will happen at 9.07am.

If you want to test out whether this eclipse really brings bad luck, go ahead, get out there and watch the eclipse. But remember, never watch with the naked eye for you can go blind! Take note that sunglasses, exposed film, X-ray film and polaroid filters cannot be counted on to protect your eyes. Only use filters and glasses that are specifically made for viewing the Sun.

For me, I think I will stay indoors as a precautionary measure. What about you?

FIRST COMMENTER

(91) Comments

  1. Anonymous

    Has anyone viewed the solar eclipse...wearing viewing glasses of course?

    July 20, 2009 at 8:17 AM
  2. heidi said...

    I did not know it would bring bad luck. I never thought about the negative energy. Very interesting. I think I will stay inside too:)

    July 20, 2009 at 10:16 AM
  3. HappySurfer said...

    Good morning, Foong, Mei Teng!

    Good post, Foong. I was going to talk about this too on my blog.

    Yeah, eclipses are never a good time to do any major activity. Luckily, it's for only six minutes but that too can be a long time considering that is when almost everyone is on the road to work. Glad we are not going to be experiencing the full eclipse. We have to work around it this Wed, I guess.

    I thought you're already in Guilin. ;)

    Happy Monday, Foong.
    You too, Mei Teng.

    July 20, 2009 at 10:21 AM
  4. [SK] said...

    hmmm that would be the time i'm commuting to work, i sure will "kena" the eclipse one woh.. maybe i shall bring an umbrella to block the suey luck!! hahaha~~ :D

    July 20, 2009 at 11:02 AM
  5. [SK] said...

    btw, i wonder if we could really see?? cos it's so hazy now in KL, we don't even see the sun in normal days, not to mention the eclipse day~~ :p

    July 20, 2009 at 11:02 AM
  6. LifeRamblings said...

    Rumours had been spreading that there will be another tsunami occuring on the same day. i hope it's a false alarm.

    July 20, 2009 at 11:39 AM
  7. LifeRamblings said...

    dropping Ec here and have a fabulous Monday.

    July 20, 2009 at 11:42 AM
  8. manglish said...

    did you tell our PM ar? maybe he will declare it a public holiday leh......hehehhhe.......to avoid bad luck especially for himself.....KAKAAKAKA.......

    July 20, 2009 at 12:11 PM
  9. Superman said...

    I heard many going to China to see it. The town in China where can see this become so popular now.

    July 20, 2009 at 12:47 PM
  10. Che-Cheh said...

    Ohh really? I'll stay indoor as well. But last time I usually use the special filter to watch eclipse. Didn't know about the bad luck thing back then.

    July 20, 2009 at 1:28 PM
  11. annant said...

    wah...didnt knw it will bring bad luck i betta call my aunt not to come out on 22nd nite!

    July 20, 2009 at 2:05 PM
  12. levian said...

    i remembered watching my first solar eclipse during primary school, everyone was so hyped, taking out sunglasses n old films. XD

    July 20, 2009 at 2:30 PM
  13. khengsiong said...

    I suppose the solar eclipse will bring bad luck to the whole world, not just anyone who watch it. So even if we hide inside building we probably can't escape from it.

    What bad thing will happen? Mutation of the H1N1 virus?

    July 20, 2009 at 3:13 PM
  14. foongpc said...

    mei teng, I'm sure there are, but I myself have never properly viewed a live eclipse myself. Only see it on TV : )

    July 20, 2009 at 3:37 PM
  15. foongpc said...

    heidi, now you know! Haha! Yes, stay indoors - better safe than sorry! : )

    July 20, 2009 at 3:37 PM
  16. Unseen India Tours said...

    Hi Foongpc !!In India also this eclipse took place and ended for 5 mts...Thanks for the information..Unseen Rajasthan

    July 20, 2009 at 3:41 PM
  17. foongpc said...

    happysurfer, you are going to blog about this too? Oh, I think you misunderstood - the total eclipse will last for about 6 minutes, but the whole duration of the eclipse for KL area lasts for a little more than an hour from 8.29am - 9.48am. So I guess it's only safe to be out only after 10am.

    I'll be in Guilin next week. Luckily the eclipse is over by then. LOL! But then we'll never know the long term negative effects of the eclipse on the world at large.

    July 20, 2009 at 3:42 PM
  18. HappySurfer said...

    Foong, I understood what you meant. I was just speaking in general terms. My apologies. I must have confused you.

    So Guilin is next week. You must be looking forward to it. Eh?

    July 20, 2009 at 3:52 PM
  19. foongpc said...

    SK, bringing an umbrella to block the suey luck is better than nothing, haha! Maybe the thick haze can help block for you if it's a hazy day : )

    Since it's only a partial eclipse, I think with the haze around, we will have a hard time seeing it : )

    July 20, 2009 at 4:00 PM
  20. foongpc said...

    life ramblings, I don't think the rumour about the tsunami is true. Why would an eclipse cause a tsunami?

    Thanks for dropping EC and you have a great Monday too! : )

    July 20, 2009 at 4:03 PM
  21. foongpc said...

    manglish, tell our PM? I don't know him personally, how to tell? Leave a comment on his blog? haha!

    July 20, 2009 at 4:04 PM
  22. foongpc said...

    superman, yes those who are known as eclipse chasers (something like tornado chasers) are going to China to witness the total solar eclipse. To me, it's like chasing after bad luck! : )

    July 20, 2009 at 4:08 PM
  23. TZ said...

    hmmm.... I better stay @ home... don't go out on Wednesday... I need lotz of luck for my exam next week. :p

    I thought the Eclipse is today... there's hardly any sun in downtown KL :p Did hazy day bring us bad luck too?

    July 20, 2009 at 4:09 PM
  24. foongpc said...

    che-cheh, yes better to stay indoors. It's not worth watching the eclipse here in Malaysia as we don't get to see the total eclipse : )

    July 20, 2009 at 4:20 PM
  25. foongpc said...

    annant, haha! Yes better stop your aunt from coming out, but the eclipse happens in the morning, so night time is OK : )

    July 20, 2009 at 4:25 PM
  26. foongpc said...

    levian, I guess it's pretty exciting to watch one if never watched before! : )

    July 20, 2009 at 4:25 PM
  27. foongpc said...

    khengsiong, I am not really sure if it'll bring bad luck to the whole world, but those countries which experience full or partial eclipse will be affected. As for individuals, I think better not get exposed - probably the effects are worse if you get exposed to this very negative energy.

    Mutation of the H1N1 virus is absolutely possible, but touchwood, pls! : )

    July 20, 2009 at 4:29 PM
  28. foongpc said...

    unseen rajasthan, oh yes! Certain parts of India will get to witness the total eclipse. Will you be watching it? Definitely an incredible experience, but are you worried of the negative energy that may affect you in the process?

    July 20, 2009 at 4:32 PM
  29. foongpc said...

    happysurfer, oh, so you understood me. OK, no worries. Yes, very excited about my Guilin trip!! Can't wait! : )

    July 20, 2009 at 4:33 PM
  30. foongpc said...

    TZ, exam next week? Then better not get yourself exposed to the eclipse. Haha!

    No lah, hazy days won't bring us bad luck, but just bring us misery! LOL!

    Btw, good luck on your exam!! : )

    July 20, 2009 at 4:35 PM
  31. Borneo Falcon said...

    Probably it is a blessing in disguise we don't get to see the eclipse then

    July 20, 2009 at 5:42 PM
  32. lina said...

    partial eclipse = partial suey or not? :D

    I'll stay indoors just in case.

    Next week is your trip izit? Have fun ya! :)

    July 20, 2009 at 5:50 PM
  33. eastcoastlife said...

    I put the date in my diary, hope I can remember to watch it. :)

    July 20, 2009 at 5:52 PM
  34. eastcoastlife said...

    Oh, I forgot you are going on another trip.

    July 20, 2009 at 5:53 PM
  35. eastcoastlife said...

    I'm expecting more photos and posts from your trip. :P

    July 20, 2009 at 5:54 PM
  36. eastcoastlife said...

    Get some souvenirs and hold a contest! :)

    July 20, 2009 at 5:54 PM
  37. HappySurfer said...

    Foong, my post on the eclipse is up. I'm also covering something about the effects of this 6th lunar month - not a good month, I'm afraid. Double whammy, if you will - the eclipse and the inauspicious 6th month. :(

    Take care..

    July 20, 2009 at 6:53 PM
  38. coolingstar9 said...

    foongpc,
    This is the rare opportunity for us to see such natural scene.
    On that day, I will be working may be I will take a look on the sky for a minute.
    Good post, have the nice day.

    July 20, 2009 at 8:25 PM
  39. renaye said...

    2132! will i still be alive then?! but i have never appreciate eclipse maybe i should...

    July 20, 2009 at 10:09 PM
  40. Neo said...

    Sounds like I gonna stay indoor. Watch this on TV la, got live telecast or not? Otherwise you do live coverage on your bloggie lo.

    July 20, 2009 at 11:58 PM
  41. Monica said...

    of coz I will stay indoors as well Foong! :)

    July 21, 2009 at 1:29 AM
  42. Monica said...

    yeah i remember u told me before this eclipse really brings bad luck!

    July 21, 2009 at 1:31 AM
  43. Johnny Ong said...

    at 8.29am i cld be still enjoying my breakfast hehehe

    July 21, 2009 at 2:24 AM
  44. Tekkaus said...

    This is going to happen tomorrow? For real? OMG! And if we missed it we have to wait another 2 millenia?

    Arrgghhhh....we can't witness it? =(

    July 21, 2009 at 3:55 AM
  45. Tekkaus said...

    Yeah! Perhaps it is not a good sign. hahaha :D If after watching it, bad luck will befall upon us...then we are doom! LOL :P

    July 21, 2009 at 3:56 AM
  46. Tekkaus said...

    I don't think I wanna try it because I'm already very "suih" this year. Can't afford to have more bad luck. Hahaha :D

    July 21, 2009 at 3:57 AM
  47. Ayie said...

    I've watche dit several times when I was younger...my brother always drags me to see it with him. I'm likely to be just at home working by that time. By the way, when is it gonna occur here in US? oh well, we hardly see the sun here! haha!

    July 21, 2009 at 5:53 AM
  48. Ayie said...

    I've watche dit several times when I was younger...my brother always drags me to see it with him. I'm likely to be just at home working by that time. By the way, when is it gonna occur here in US? oh well, we hardly see the sun here! haha!

    July 21, 2009 at 5:53 AM
  49. eiling lim said...

    Thanks for reminding me. I am so staying in my office! Lol..

    July 21, 2009 at 10:41 AM
  50. iamthewitch said...

    Gosh tomorrow is the day! I must make sure that I leave home early enough to reach office before 8.30am to avoid the eclipse! :) Thanks for the useful info Foong.

    July 21, 2009 at 11:31 AM
  51. foongpc said...

    borneo falcon, yes probably, but we can still see the partial eclipse, so the bad luck effect will still be there : )

    July 21, 2009 at 2:53 PM
  52. foongpc said...

    lina, not sure if it works like that! Haha! Just to be sure, better stay out of the sun! Yes, next week is my trip and I will definitely have fun. Thanks!! : )

    July 21, 2009 at 2:55 PM
  53. foongpc said...

    eastcoastlife, you want to go watch the eclipse? I thought you put the date in your diary to remind yourself not to get exposed! Good luck then! Haha!

    Don't worry, I will post lots of photos of my Guilin trip once I'm back!

    Hold contest offering souvenirs as prizes? Hmmm, maybe.. : )

    July 21, 2009 at 2:57 PM
  54. foongpc said...

    happysurfer, oh no! Double whammy!! Not a very good timing for my trip yes? But it's all planned, so I'm going ahead with a positive mind! Wish me a safe and enjoyable trip! : )

    July 21, 2009 at 2:59 PM
  55. foongpc said...

    coolingstar9, you want to watch the eclipse? My advice is, DON'T WATCH IT! You can always watch it on Internet or on TV : )

    July 21, 2009 at 3:00 PM
  56. foongpc said...

    renaye, how do you appreciate the eclipse? I hope you don't go and watch it, yes? Definitely you won't be around in 2132 unless you can live more than 130 years old! : )

    July 21, 2009 at 3:03 PM
  57. foongpc said...

    neo, live telecast? Don't know whether have on TV or not. Me won't be doing any live telecast lah. Think I so free meh? : )

    July 21, 2009 at 3:04 PM
  58. foongpc said...

    monica, good thing you remember! Haha! Yeah, stay indoors the safest! And if you believe about the tsunami thing (which I don't), stay away from the beach! : )

    July 21, 2009 at 3:06 PM
  59. foongpc said...

    johnny ong, enjoy your breakfast indoors and not outdoors : )

    July 21, 2009 at 3:06 PM
  60. foongpc said...

    tekkaus, yeah, better not watch it unless you don't mind testing it out. Hehe.

    Why you so "suih" this year? Don't worry, your luck will change. Nothing stays constant forever! : )

    July 21, 2009 at 3:08 PM
  61. Faisal Admar said...

    what about Penang?
    what time?

    July 21, 2009 at 3:29 PM
  62. Medie007 said...

    oooo
    besok!!!

    July 21, 2009 at 5:22 PM
  63. HappySurfer said...

    Foong, looks like all is not lost as we can still view the eclipse via live webcast.

    July 21, 2009 at 5:23 PM
  64. Sherry said...

    hi foogpc, need your help.

    pls vote heart random at http://wpwebhost.com/my-wordpress-story-it%25e2%2580%2599s-time-to-vote/

    I am one of the finalist.. still be behind 300 votes.

    July 21, 2009 at 6:00 PM
  65. foongpc said...

    ayie, not really sure when, but since you can hardly see the sun, makes no difference then. haha!

    July 22, 2009 at 1:26 AM
  66. foongpc said...

    eiling, haha! Yes, better stay put in your office till the eclipse is over! : )

    July 22, 2009 at 1:28 AM
  67. Ayie said...

    yeah i figure that out foong also it will occur here around 5-6pm today. So many superstitions in the web, i read a few yesterday

    July 22, 2009 at 1:29 AM
  68. foongpc said...

    iamthewitch, you are welcome! Hope you make it to the office before 8.30am! : )

    July 22, 2009 at 1:30 AM
  69. foongpc said...

    indavao, thanks for dropping by : )

    July 22, 2009 at 1:30 AM
  70. foongpc said...

    faisal admar, should be similar time with KL. Are you planning to watch or avoid it? : )

    July 22, 2009 at 1:32 AM
  71. foongpc said...

    medie007, yes besok! Actually it's today at this time of writing. So are you watching it or hiding from it? : )

    July 22, 2009 at 1:34 AM
  72. foongpc said...

    happysurfer, thanks for the link! : )

    July 22, 2009 at 1:34 AM
  73. foongpc said...

    sherry, OK, will go and vote : )

    July 22, 2009 at 1:35 AM
  74. foongpc said...

    ayie, yes lots of superstition, but I don't take them seriously. However, I do take the advice from feng shui masters seriously : )

    July 22, 2009 at 1:38 AM
  75. Ayie said...

    you're a chinese foong, right?

    July 22, 2009 at 1:57 AM
  76. A Common Singaporean said...

    I didn't see the eclipse this morning. I was still sleeping. But I had a weird weird dream. I dreamt of the eclipse. I was floating on top of the view where the moon intersected the sun and the earth. Really weird but it felt quite majestic and real.

    July 22, 2009 at 10:51 AM
  77. eastcoastlife said...

    I watched the eclipse.... on live TV! :)

    July 22, 2009 at 9:54 PM
  78. foongpc said...

    ayie, yes, I am. Why?

    July 22, 2009 at 10:13 PM
  79. foongpc said...

    a common singaporean, wow! A dream about the eclipse. And last time you had a horrible dream about your baby. Looks like you should record down your dreams. Maybe there are messages in them! : )

    July 22, 2009 at 10:15 PM
  80. foongpc said...

    eastcoastlife, oh, that's good! At least you didn't go out there and watch it! : )

    July 22, 2009 at 10:15 PM
  81. Ayie said...

    well that explains all that feng shui and superstitions stuffs =)

    July 23, 2009 at 12:39 AM
  82. Cashmere said...

    I dont care about Feng shui.. I would wanna catch it if I have the chance.. But too bad it was raining heavily yday! :(

    July 23, 2009 at 7:08 AM
  83. Anonymous

    wow.. its like learning science over here.. haha.. miss school days la.. but i didnt catch it... lazy to wake up la.. =P

    kenwooi.com

    July 23, 2009 at 12:15 PM
  84. Anonymous

    and regarding the feng shui believes.. i dont know wanna believe anot.. haha.. =D

    July 23, 2009 at 12:15 PM
  85. foongpc said...

    ayie, well not all Chinese believe in feng shui and superstitions, and some Westerners believe in them. Mostly those who believe about mind power will tend to believe in feng shui, because both are talking about energy : )

    July 24, 2009 at 1:12 AM
  86. foongpc said...

    cashmere, oh! That's too bad, but it may have saved you from years of bad luck! : )

    July 24, 2009 at 1:14 AM
  87. foongpc said...

    kenwooi, you are a late sleeper and late riser right? Yeah, it's like science in school, haha!

    You don't have to believe in feng shui, but it works all the same. It does not depend on your beliefs : )

    July 24, 2009 at 1:16 AM
  88. Ayie said...

    i encountered most chinese are really into feng shui mostly our clients...so many complications hehe

    July 24, 2009 at 2:53 AM
  89. foongpc said...

    ayie, oh, I can see the problems you face in dealing with your clients! Good luck! : )

    July 28, 2009 at 12:51 AM
  90. bluedreamer27 said...

    here in Phil we just got a partial solar eclipse so it wasnt that noticeable compare to other asian countries
    and so sad to say that i missed out the opportunity to view this once in a lifetime event

    August 7, 2009 at 1:12 PM
  91. foongpc said...

    bluedreamer27, maybe it's a blessing in disguise that you miss the solar eclipse! According to feng shui experts and astrologers, it's bad luck to view the eclipse. Just watch it online will do : )

    August 10, 2009 at 7:22 PM