Scientists, Is it another Coincidence????

As I wrote, in my earlier blogpost:-
https://sunitachabra.blogspot.in/2018/01/lunar-eclipse-on-january-31st-2018.html
 read under heading 'Research Studies related to Lunar Eclipse?' point 3. 'You may find many research studies online linking full Moon with floods, earthquakes.'
Today a powerful #earthquake measuring 6.1 on Richter scale. Is it a coincidence??

Lunar Eclipse on January 31st, 2018

On January 31, there will be-- A Lunar Eclipse, Chandra grahan. For the first time in 152 years, this beautiful celestial event will result in an unusual coincidence of events: a Super Moon, Blue Moon, and total Lunar Eclipse will coincide.

What is a Super Moon?

When a full moon is at its closest orbital point to Earth it is called a ‘Super Moon’.

What is a Blue Moon?

When there are two full moon (puranmaasi)  in a month, the second full moon of the month, is called the 'Blue Moon'.

What is a Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth stands between the Moon and the Sun, cutting off the light of the Sun from the moon. Total eclipsed moons are sometimes also called Blood Moons (because of its color).

Timings of lunar eclipse in India
In India it would start at 17:18 (5:18pm) on 31^st January, 2018 and totality ends at 19:38 (7.37pm). 

Total lunar eclipse around the world

The eclipse is visible in the region covering southern North America, Central and Eastern Asia, Indonesia, New Zealand and most of Australia, north-western Canada, Middle East, northern Scandinavian and Eastern Europe and Arctic region.

Next total lunar eclipse
After the year 2018 the next total lunar eclipses will be on December 31, 2028.

Previous lunar eclipse

Previous partial eclipse was on December 31, 2009. 

Do we need special glasses or follow any other precautions to watch the Total Lunar Eclipse?

Unlike the solar eclipse, the Lunar Eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. 

Any Superstitions connected with eclipse?

Pregnant women are advised not to go out during Eclipse and are also advised not to cut or stitch any cloth or to do any other similar activities. It is also advised not to eat or drink during eclipse period. The reason (probably, just my guess!) behind this belief (in India) a great celestial radiation occurs during eclipse. However for children, elderly people and people who are not well or suffer from chronic illness like diabetes, there are NO restrictions.
As per Indian culture, the food items should be protected by adding Basil or Tulsi leaves.

What is Sutak?  

According to Hindu beliefs, the Earth atmosphere is contaminated with radiation during eclipse and extra precautions should be taken to avoid any harmful side effects due to contamination. Sutak is time period (supposed to be inauspicious for doing important work) before an eclipse occurs. Sutak is observed only when eclipse is visible in our region and 12 hours before Solar Eclipse and for 9 hours before Lunar Eclipse.
What science says about this Superstition?

As per science, electromagnetic radiation emitted during eclipse is perfectly safe, however there is another form of radiation that travels to earth during eclipse, deep from the core of the sun, where nuclear fusion takes place, particles called neutrinos are born into the space. And they also pass through the solid body of the moon during the eclipse and reach earth. As per science, human body is pelted by trillions of these neutrinos, as a consequence a few atoms in body are transmuted into a different isotope by absorbing these neutrinos and again, as per science, this is harmless effect for pregnant woman. You can read more by clicking on this link:-

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-misconceptions

What Astrology says about Eclipses?

Astrologically, eclipses are significant as they carry the message of change. Change in the way we look, the way we think or certain life events occur (totally unplanned) that change the direction of our life, some of us more some of us less, but they affect all, as per astrological beliefs. The eclipse activates certain areas on which it falls on our natal chart. The eclipse has traditionally been viewed with dread over the ages. It seems as though something dreadful is about to happen. In modern astrology, eclipses are viewed as the period of change. Old things come to an end and a new beginning starts, kind of universe restructure. Eclipse months are especially very volatile and astrologically not a phase, when you should start anything new, if anything happens on its own, its bhagya or your destiny. Depending where in your solar chart the eclipse occurs, changes or stress can be felt. Eclipses may bring some kind of news of life's big events and it is not necessary the event to occur immediately for say: a birth of child, a marriage proposal, the signing of important documents, career breakthrough, travel, some important meeting or breaks in close relations and so forth.

Research Studies related to Lunar Eclipse?

1.     There has been considerable research on the influence of the lunar cycle on mental illness with conflicting findings. Numbers of patients with mental disturbances were examined on eclipse days (lunar/solar) and a significant trend was observed for greater numbers of patients with non-affective psychoses but no pattern was observed for mania or depression.  

2.     In a research paper published in the British Medical Journal, a pair of researchers from the University of Toronto and Princeton University, worked over the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Data on motorcycle fatalities in the US, period from 1975 to 2014 (40 years). Conclusion The full moon is associated with an increased risk of fatal motorcycle crashes, although potential confounders cannot be excluded. An awareness of the risk might encourage motorcyclists to ride with extra care during a full moon (Source:- http://www.bmj.com/content/359/bmj.j5367 )

3.     You may find many research studies online linking full Moon with floods, earthquakes.

A Thought

Combining two opposites, science and dialectical philosophical thinking, for the development of mankind and environment, rather than closed-system approach for analysis is the need of the hour. Instead of assuming science is right and beliefs are wrong, one can integrate the two. Scientific thinking is product of human intellect which is constantly evolving and developing as the human knowledge base widens. 

January 2018 Monthly Forecast: PISCES

Pisces: As per Vedic astrology, planet Jupiter rules over your sign. From 25^th December 2017 through 7^th January 2018, the focus will be on home and family. It will be totally family time, bringing a big smile on your lips. For past two months, presence of Saturn in your career sector, made you work hard at work but this festival and New Year will bring a big smile and contentment. On 17^th, Mars will shift to next sign. Mars may have increased your expenditures in month of December 2017 but this transit of Mars, from 17^th, will turn positive for money matters. This transit will also be good for networking, making contacts, meeting close relatives or friends and group activities. You may get invitation to attend family weddings and get-togethers. Friendships and close family relationships will feel easier and happier. You may also get a chance to meet interesting people in these parties. If single, there is a chance that you may meet someone probably having different background than yours. This transit is also good for using social networking platform for promoting your work. Two months from 17th, may increase your income earned from business. All in all it will be a great start to the New Year!!

January 2018 Monthly Forecast: CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS

Capricorn: Planet Saturn rules over your sign and yours is a hard working sign and nothing comes in easily in life for you. With the New Year most people put ‘diet and fitness’ as the number one priority but there are few who follow it through. However, this cannot be said for you, Capricorns. If, you are trying to quit addictive habits (like smoking) this is the best time to quit, you are likely to follow it through. If, it is work and you are tired of meeting unreasonable office demands or long working hours, this is the best time to start looking for new job or new clients. On 14^th of January, Sun enters your sign. As per Hindu beliefs and Vedic astrology, the transit of Sun in your sign, ‘Makar’ or Capricorn, is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and is regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase. In 2 months from 17^th, it is time to reinvent, formulate new goals and change the way one looks. Physically, mentally and also spiritually it is time for rejuvenation.

Aquarius:  Planet Saturn rules over your sign. From 25^th of December 2017 through 7^th of January 2018, it will simply a fun filled time for you. If, you are invited for New Year celebration party or a family get-together, do go, Aquarius, for I foresee, you may enjoy it immensely. Love and romance is also highlighted for you during this period.  There will be some emotional moments for you too. Aquarians, the year 2018, is the big year for you. There will be a powerful solar eclipse in the month of February 2018 in your own sign which will bring many many changes in you and your circumstances. However, before the series of events begin, the period 17^th January 2018 through 15^th February 2018, you need to let go of things, people and of memories that are holding you back. It is kind of self-healing period. Some make use of therapy sessions for healing and others go through spiritual path for enlightenment and self-healing. It is your choice but letting go of all things and people who are hindering your growth is probably of utmost importance now. Your thoughts and opinions will also change because you are acquiring new knowledge through new experiences.

January 2018 Monthly Forecast: SCORPIO, SAGITTARIUS

Scorpio: As per Vedic astrology, planet Mars, rules over your sign. From 24^th December 2017 through 10^th of January 2018, is financially important. This is not the money that you earn but money that you earn as commission, rentals or rebates. The repayment of old debts, taxes, loans and other financial obligations is also possible. Good news is that you may get amazing gifts too. If, you play tambola or such games, it is possible that you may win some prize too! From 17^th of January 2018, your ruling planet, Mars, will enter your own sign. Astrologically it is considered to be a very powerful position. Mars will stay in your sign for about 1 ½ months and this occurs once in 2 years. Physically, this placement makes you healthier and stronger. You will feel more confident too. In one month from 17^th, you may acquire new skills, promote your work, and hire a new publicist or an agent. You may sign new contract or agreement papers. It is also a good time to write important email and make telephone calls to people who can help you in work. It is also a good time to get in touch with your old friends and close cousins. If you want, you can look out for a house in new and posh neighborhood but it will be the solar eclipse (in February 2018) that will in initiate a house change!

Sagittarius: Planet Jupiter rules over your sign. From 21^st December 2017 through 17^th January 2018, there is a planetary get-together as, Sun, Saturn and Venus, travel through your sign for celebrations. Saturn transit over your sign will bring major re-evaluation and change in your life. Saturn brings responsibilities and duties too. From 25^th December 2017 through 7^th January 2018, the focus is on relationship that you share with your spouse. It is time to improve your relationship (if already married) by compromising personal and emotional needs. On 14^th January, Sun begins the most auspicious or holy phase of transition. In two months from 17^th, is a time to start fresh in terms of how you live and value your life. Financial issues may gain great importance. Money may give you that feeling of being more secure and you will find new ways of increasing your personal net-worth and bank balance. Following a sensible financial budget with views to secure your future may gain importance. Sagittarius, you may find strange to read this but in my readings, under this planetary tide, I have seen even the most spendthrift become tightfisted and maybe a ‘miser’ (please don’t be offended by this word!).