Taregna all set to host sky gazers from across globe

The Taregna village in Bihar is gearing up to host thousands of sky gazers, including researchers, astronomers and scientists, from across the globe to witness the total solar eclipse tomorrow.

Taregna, about 30 km south of Patna, where astronomer Aryabhatta (476-550 AD) had set up a camp to study movement of stars, has been adjudged as the best place to view the celestial phenomenon, the longest in the 21st century.

The duration of the eclipse in Taregna will be 3 minutes 48 seconds. However, the maximum duration of the eclipse would be six minutes 38 seconds, as visible from the Pacific Ocean.

Tomorrow's solar eclipse coincided with the bandh call given by the Maoists in five states, including Bihar. Taregna is the worst Naxal affected area in Patna district.

State police along with the Central Reserve Police Force will look into the security of the visitors, ADG (Headquarters) Neelmani said, adding that chief minister Nitish Kumar is also scheduled to join the guests coming from outside.