Karkataka Sankranthi and new astronomical changes

[Guest guest]

[http://www.starofmysore.com/main.asp?type=specialnews & item=3227]

--

LONGEST DAY IN THE OFFING

 

SKYWATCH

 

Daytime is the longest and nighttime the shortest on June 22. It is also the

beginning of Dakshinaayana (sun’s apparent southward motion). You would have

noticed, especially in recent weeks, a gradual (almost imperceptible) change in

the times of sunrise and sunset.

 

This shift started after December 21, which was the beginning of Uttaraayana

(sun’s apparent northward motion). On that date, we experienced the longest

nighttime and the shortest daytime. Hence between December 21 and June 22, the

duration of the daytime is on the rise and between June 22 and December 21 it is

on the fall.

 

At this point, I must make it clear that Makara Sankranti (about January 13) is

NOT the beginning of Uttaraayana, and Karkataka Sankraanti (about July 16) is

NOT the beginning of Dakshinaayana. The astrologers, traditionalists and others

who swear by ancient tomes and related rituals will do well to open their eyes

to the changing scenes in the sky. But this requires a deep study of astronomy,

or at least an open mind to appreciate and follow modern reality.

 

Try to mark the points of sunrise and sunset on the horizon. You will notice

that on June 22 (beginning of Dakshinaayana), they reach the north most position

and on December 21 (beginning of Uttaraayana), the south most position.

 

The sun seems to oscillate between these two extremes. To know the reasons

behind these ‘vagaries’ of sun, one has to observe the real sky (not the

computer-simulated one or the show at a planetarium) first and then study

astronomy systematically. The sky is an inexhaustible treasure of new wonders.

 

The daytime and the nighttime are equal on March 21 and September 23. On March

21, the day-time overtakes the nighttime and on September 23, the reverse

happens. This is a celestial phenomenon we in the northern hemisphere

experience. Hence, March 21 gets rightly the epithet Yugaadi.

 

— G.T.Narayana Rao

---

 

 

Bring your gang together. Do your thing. Find your favourite group

at http://in.promos./groups/