Solar Eclipse: Beware! Here are the do's and dont's to follow on the day of Surya Grahan

The last Solar Eclipse of this year is all set to occur on December 4, Saturday. It will start at 10:59 AM and end at 03:07 PM. During the Solar Eclipse, the Moon moves right in front of the Sun, blocking it, except for a ring around the edges and this creates the 'ring of fire' look. Many people believe that one should not eat or drink during the Solar or Lunar Eclipse. Some also avoid cooking. But there is no scientific reason behind it, according to experts. One can eat, drink and carry on with normal chores during an eclipse. Solar Eclipses are rare opportunities for scientists to better understand the Sun's corona and the Earth's atmosphere.

Let us have a look and some of the important dos and don'ts on the day of Surya Grahan

Always use a solar filter of optical density five or more

Using a homemade pinhole camera is a safe way to watch an eclipse

Use specially made eclipse watching eye glasses, but remember they should not be scratched

In places where there will be a partial eclipse, never view the Sun directly

Don't use ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass, X-ray film, stacks of negative film to view the Solar Eclipse

Never look at the Sun directly through a telephoto lens of a camera or through a telescope, it can burn your eyes

Taking photos of the eclipse without use of special protective filters can burn your eyes and harm the camera
Never look at the reflection of an eclipse in water, coloured or otherwise.

As per religious beliefs, this is an eclipse of Rahu and Ketu on the Surya Devta and the pregnant women have to take care of themselves. It is believed that there can be side effects on the baby.

According to religious beliefs, pregnant women should not go out of the house when the solar eclipse is underway. It is said that going out of the house at such a time can affect the skin of the mother and her baby due to the harmful rays of the sun. Pregnant women are suggested to avoid the shadow of the solar eclipse.

Pregnant women should take a bath once the eclipse is over to avoid the ill effects of surya grahan.

Eating food at the time of the solar eclipse is considered taboo. Pregnant women, though, can eat fruit as the health of the baby and the mother has to be prioritised.

Pregnant women should avoid using sharp objects during a solar eclipse. It is a popular belief that using objects like knives, blades, scissors, pins and needles during the eclipse can have adverse effects on the baby.