From Sardasht to Saravan; Which Place Are You Going to Select?
August 9, 1999 - 0:0
TEHRAN -- August 11, 1998, marks the day when the second millennium's last solar eclipse will occur. To mark the occasion Jahangardan, a monthly for tourists, has published a lenghty article in its latest issue: A band running from western to eastern parts of Iran would be plunged into darkness under the moon shadow. Such tourist sites as Zarivar lake on Kurdestan border, Bistoun mountain, Anahita temple in Kangavar, Gahar-Rood lake, Zayandeh-Rood lake, the city of Isfahan, Yazd Desert and Arg-e Bam will go under the shadow of the moon.
From where in Iran are you going to observe the dark sun? That was early morning on October 24, 1995. We had stood a top hills around Birjand, gazing at the sun which was losing its color. Not much had been left to the peak of the glory of the most beautiful astrological phenomenon. Many had left behind more than 1,000 kms to reach eastern borders of Iran to watch total eclipse of the sun just for 16 seconds and keep amazement of those moments in their memory for good.
Since those days there was a word on last solar eclipse of the millennium's becoming guest of our land. Of course, solar eclipse is not a rare phenomenon and is observed twice a year in small parts of the earth. The moon shadow, falling aground, moves concordant with turn of the moon and puts a narrow band under darkness. For instance, this year's eclipse is represented by about 100-km wide band.
It is equal to the extent of the lands to be brought in the path of moon shadow. The path ranges from the Atlantic Ocean on to east of India, which is equal to about 0.2 percent of total span of the earth. However, it might take tens of years for a country to observe several total or partial solar eclipses over its sky a year.
The people living in the lands lying in the band of the moon's shadow would be capable of observing solar eclipse; of course in its partial form. For example, those in Isfahan would observe total eclipse of the sun this year but those remaining in Tehran would see partial solar eclipse. The best site to observe the phenomenon is the one lying on central part of the path, where longest duration of eclipse would occur.
Little by little edge of the brilliant sun's disc darkens. Gradually the slice of the sun blotted down by the moon grows bigger as if it is being swallowed by an invisible dragon. All look at the sun and follow up its obstruction with special sun glasses. More than one hour has passed since the time of moon's obstructing the sun.
It seems like a tiny crescent. It still throws dazzling spectacle. The leaves of trees have reflected hundreds of the images of sun's crescent to the ground. The sunlight crosses leaves of trees and draws images on the ground. No more than one or two minutes have left. The sun is losing its color and subsequently darkness makes the azure sky dark blue.
The last rays of sunlight seem like a diamond ring, formed by momentary flashes of light from a small valley in the moon, circling around the uneven surface of the moon. Now it has completely darkened. All remove eclipse special sun-glasses and gaze at the solar corona. The hot weather in the afternoon of the summer season has grown cooler and stars and several outshining planets have appeared.
The spot, where solar eclipse is witnessed for the first time, represents the area from where the sun and the moon rise. This year's solar eclipse is going to start off 700 kms east of New York. The moon shadow would then pass across the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, the first group to witness solar eclipse this year would be the fish of the ocean and the crew of the ship moving in those areas in the ocean that lies in the path of the solar eclipse.
Since the sunlight in the area is oblique, therefore, the moon shadow would be highly long. It will pass from above the waters at the supersonic speed of 10,000 kms an hour. It will then step into southern Islands of the U.K., passing through the well-known channel of Britain. It then reaches France. The moon crosses the path of the sun which passes 30 kms from Paris. It will not, however, put the ''city of lights'' under darkness.
Citizens of two big German cities, Stuttgart and Munich, can see total eclipse of the sun for more than two minutes provided the sky is clear. Having moved across Austria and Hungary, the moon shadow will reach Romania, that marks central point of the path crossed by the moon. That would be the midday in Romania when the sun would be totally obscured by the moon.
The sun will be positioned at its highest altitude. Due to the same reason, the moon shadow will move steadily and as a matter of fact the area will witness longer duration of solar eclipse compared to other regions. It will take the moon two minutes and 24 seconds to block out the sun near the attractive city of Bucharest, marking an area witnessing longest duration of solar eclipse this year.
Moving farther to the east wards, there will be lesser duration of the eclipse. But instead, as moon crosses to the east towards heart of Iran the weather will grow more pleasant than my other spot. Therefore, those seeking to observe the phenomenon over a clear sky while enjoying natural landscapes and ancient sites, are advised to come to eastern countries like Iran and Turkey. Residents of the western villages of Sardasht would be the first viewers of the solar eclipse in Iran on Wednesday, August 11, 1999. The moon shadow will fall on the region at about 16:20 hours local time and then would pass on to the beautiful lake of Zarivar. Without a doubt, many a citizens of Marivan and lovers of nature would flood into the bank of the lake to see the spectacular phenomenon.
Solar eclipse would be visible for one minute, 50 seconds at the lake. In Pahlavi language 'Zarivar' means a great lake or a lake similar to sea. The lake has special status among regional residents and many a tales have been narrated during ages about its coming to existence. It is surrounded by forest hills. The lake is usually frozen so solid that any passers-by would brave stepping on the ice without fearing the risk of its likely breaking.
A little a bit farther, there is the intact and beautiful region of Uramanat, south of Marivan. It is a mountainous region with traditional people. The interesting point is that longest duration of eclipse would be visible in skies of Uramanat. It would last one minute, 58 seconds in such villages as Bolbar or Uraman Takht. A little bit off downwards a good condition can be forecast for Paveh and Nowsood. On its way the moon shadow will be hosted by hospitable Kurdish people of Sanandaj. There are beautiful historical sites such as Jame' mosque, that is decorated with marmoreal columns and walls, and several houses, dating back to Qajarid era, in Sanandaj. In case of stepping into Kurdistan to view eclipse, you can visit the city of Takab, where Kurds and Azeris co-exist.
There is Takht-e-Soleyman fireplace, dating back to Sassanid era. If you are an adventurist, you are advised to go to 'Kereftu' castle, which is featured by a concrete and uneven route. Kereftu means worshipping site in Kurdish language. Southern band of the moon shadow runs through Kermanshahan, putting the most attractive ancient sites west of Iran under darkness. After that you can visit such tourist sites as Mo'avenulmulk religious center and Taq-e-Bostan mount with its designs, dating back to Sassanid era, in the city of Kermanshah. Somewhere in the designs one can see Khosrow Parviz on the back of his horse, 'Shabdiz'. Above the design one can see Khosrow Parviz receiving regal signet ring from Ahuramazda. Behind him, there is design of Anahita, who is pouring water from a jar to the ground.
At either side of the big arch there are two epigraphs showing Khosrow Parviz in the scene of hunting. The designs have been carved with special kind of delicacy. Beside two main archs there are designs of the Sassanid King Artaxerxes II, who has laid his feet on the enemy, while receiving the regal signet ring from Ahuramazda. Behind, there are designs of the god of light and sun, namely 'Mehr' or 'Mithra', seemingly supporting the king.
Next to him one can see design of the sun. See approach of the moon shadow from above the mountain to Taq-e-Bostan (cave). If sky is clear you can see the moon shadow running with a supersonic speed of 3,000 kms an hour, plunging all over the city into total darkness within a span of several seconds. Hence, the solar corona would face out and the stars would be visible.
The moon will then continue its journey to Bistoun mount, which was once a purely holy site in ancient Iran. Over there, the moon shadow will cast its shadow for one minute, 30 seconds, on designs of the Achaemenid king, Darius, and of those been taken captive by his eminence. Of course that's for years that frames have been installed at the area to repair the 2,500-year-old design and the public are banned to visit it.
Bistoun is not limited to this. A little bit farther, there is a piece of stone similar to a cube of cheese, cut by stone carvers in Achaemenid era. The 50-meter high even stone is called ''Farhad Tash'' after Farhad, the lover whose job was to cut stones. Moreover, you can visit statue of Hercules (a hero, occasionally worshipped as a god, of prodigious strength and courage who performed twelve immense tasks or labors imposed on him by Eurystheus king of Argos. He is usually shown in art with a lion-skin, club and bow.), castle of hunters and relics of two old bridges and a caravanserai.
After this, we reach Sahneh, which is the best site in Kermanshah Province from where one can observe the solar eclipse. Shirin-Farhad Catacombs is the most important site of the province. It is an inaccessible place at the heart of the mountain, which is believed to date back to Medians' era. A little a bit farther, there is Kangavar and its well-known Anahita Temple. Atop the splendid old temple you can gaze at the dark sun for one minute, 51 seconds.
This is the temple of the goddess of water and growing. If a day comes when its plundered stones or its pieces felling aground are put together, then its magnificent glory will be recovered. After that, the moon shadow will reach Hamedan Province and the moon disk will obscure 99 percent of the sun. It would not, however, revent visiting tomb of Babataher, Avecina and Esther and Mordecai, Alavids' Dome, the Achaemenid inscription of Ganjnameh and relics of the ancient city Hegmatane that from atop of which Hamedan penetrates into eyes.
To see total eclipse of the sun it is enough to go beyond Alvand Mountain, whose northern edge will stand parallel to edge of the band of moon shadow. Hamedani climbers can see from atop the beautiful Alvand that Hamedan remains light, while beyond plain of Tuyserkan will be plunged into darkness. Most of Hamedani residents would be the guest of Nahavand citizens, coming to the city to observe total eclipse for one minute, 54 seconds.
On your way you can see the only high castle of medians, that is unearthed. You can also see Noushijan Hill north of Malayer, that is a castle atop a small hill in a vast plain. It scaped immune from Assyrians' attack and marks today a unique memorial of those times in Iran. The moon shadow will reach Lorestan, the land of cascades, castles and beautiful lakes, so as to put Borujerd under darkness for one minute, 53 seconds.
But Khorramabad will fall off the solar eclipse path. You can see the well-known Falakolaflak Castle under the blocked sun and take a look at its museum. Dorud is undoubtedly a familiar name for lovers of nature. You can set up your tent beyond Gohar-e Ziba lake and watch the dark sun on August 11 along with fishes for one minute and 30 seconds.
Otherwise, you can go to Saravand Village and see the conical shadow of the moon, formed as a result of its blocking the sun, from atop the 40,500-meter Oshtorankuh, that would be the tallest mountain lying in the path of eclipse. Concurrent with happening of the phenomenon in Lorestan Province, parts of the southern regions of Central Province will also be put under the moon shadow.
Arak is not on the path of the total eclipse but residents of Arak can go to the nearby cities such as Shazand and Astaneh or Khomeyn to view the event. Eventually, the shadow will reach Isfahan. The most well-known city of the province, namely the historical city of Isfahan, is known as the city where in total eclipse will occur.
The solar eclipse will last shorter in the city compared to the western parts of the country. However, it is 95 percent probable that the sky would be clear there. Therefore, many prefer to sit beside Zayandeh-Rood lake and see the dark sun for one minute, 30 seconds in a clear sky. The first cities in Isfahan to lie in the path of the moon shadow would be Golpayegan, Khansar, Daran, Chadegan and Fereydounshahr. From atop the mountainous region of Golpayegan you can see the old minaret of Jame' Mosque and Dokhtar (girl) Castle, which lie in the vicinity of the city.
But the most beautiful part of Isfahan Province will be Zayandeh-Rood Dam near Chadegan, which is in fact a site serving as summer resort for inhabitants of Isfahan. The moon shadow then will step over land of Bakhtiari people south of Zayandeh-Rood Lake. The solar eclipse will last for more than one minute beyond Dowcheshmeh bridge, the historical bridge of Zamankhan and the roaring lake of Zayandeh-Rood. Saman would get dark on the day.
Shahr-e Kurd, known as rooftop of Iranian cities, will also be in the path of solar eclipse. If you be near Shahr-e Kurd on August 11 this year you are advised to visit Atabakan Mosque as well. It is one of the most beautiful palaces remaining from Bakhtiari Khans. Situated in Challeshtor, six kms from Shahr-e Kurd, the mosque bears beautiful all paintings and it is even said that one of the main chandeliers of the holy shrine of Hazrat Ali ibn Mousa al-Reza (AS), the eighth Imam of Prophet Mohammad's (SA) infallible household used to be hanged from the ceiling of the monument and was then gifted to the holy site.
After Shahr-e Kurd, the moon shadow will pass over ups and downs of Rokh pass and fall into Isfahan plain to put ``half of the world'' under darkness. Partial eclipse will be witnessed in Isfahan at about 15:15 and part of the sun would be darkened gradually. At 16:32 picture of the dark sun will fall on the blue water of Zayandeh-Rood lake and from top of Khaju and Si-o Seh-Pol bridge, you can see the most beautiful natural phenomenon occurring above.
Otherwise, you can stand atop Chehel-Sotun (40-column) or beside all attractive sites of Naqsh-e Jahan Square to gaze at the dark sun. As far as duration of solar eclipse is concerned, Najafabad would be the city compared to other cities in Isfahan to witness longest duration of the phenomenon due to its location in the vicinity of the central path of the shadow.
The total eclipse will last one minute, 47 seconds at the site. After the point, the shadow will move across Shahreza to put Gavkhouni Swamp under darkness. On its way the shadow will call on Yazd desert as well. Yazd would be out of the band of shadow. But Shirkuh alike Alvand in Hamedan would exactly lie on edge of the band of sahdow.
The interesting point is that contrary to its eastern sides, the western outskirts of the mountain will be plunged into darkness. Also it is interesting to say that the path of moon shadow will pass across Kurdistan on to southeast of Iran toward Zagros Mountain Chains. In that way it will pass Taft, known as summer resort of Yazd inhabitants. It will then move to Shirkuh and on its way it will step into Abarqu Desert. In that site you can observe total eclipse of the sun, while watching a 4,000-year-old Cypress tree and the well-known beautiful tower of Gonbad-e Ali. The city will be the only city in Fars Province to lie on the path of total eclipse.
The shadow will then travel to Kerman Province but will the 2,000-year-old Arg-e Bam be on the path as well? Really, the most attractive ancient site will be plunged into darkness amidst hot weather of Kerman's summer. You can gaze at the dark sun for one minute, 20 seconds, from above the notched porches and towers, built with sun-dried bricks, in Arg-e Bam and shout a shrilling cry out of joyness.
Since Kerman will not be in the path of total eclipse, therefore, you can go to Shahr region in Rafsanjan. As it passes eastward, the moon shadow will move with more speed and duration of total eclipse will get shorter. Sistan, the land of tales, will not witness total eclipse. The phenomenon will obscure Baluchestan's sky, however. There are deserts near Bazman village north of Iranshahr in Baluchestan Province that from where you can observe solar eclipse.
The moon shadow will eventually reach Saravan and after half an hour it will leave the land of permanent beauties via eastern borders for Pakistan and India with a speed of 5,000 km an hour so as to wind up its three-hour journey in Bengal at the sunset. Set aside anything you will do on August 11 and go to a site in Iran that from where the moon shadow band will run so as to tranquilize yourself with an aspect of natural beauty.
Do not forget that the next eclipse will occur 35 years later in Iran. But do not put yourself in vain. Observation of the solar eclipse in its partial stage without using a suitable filter will be highly dangerous and by so doing you will unconsciously put your eyes at severe danger at the moment. Even when it has been turned into a tiny and poor shining crescent, the sun will have harsh beams and gazing at it without any special sun-glasses, equipped with a suitable filter, will burn cells of your eyes' retina.
Therefore, refrain from using ordinary sun-glasses, radiographic films or photochromic glasses. Obtain eclipse special protective cardboard glasses from well-credited scientific centers and use them instead. You can also use welding glasses (the size 14 or two overlapping size 7 glasses). Do not forget to remove eye-glasses within the one or two minutes of total eclipse. (IRNA)
From where in Iran are you going to observe the dark sun? That was early morning on October 24, 1995. We had stood a top hills around Birjand, gazing at the sun which was losing its color. Not much had been left to the peak of the glory of the most beautiful astrological phenomenon. Many had left behind more than 1,000 kms to reach eastern borders of Iran to watch total eclipse of the sun just for 16 seconds and keep amazement of those moments in their memory for good.
Since those days there was a word on last solar eclipse of the millennium's becoming guest of our land. Of course, solar eclipse is not a rare phenomenon and is observed twice a year in small parts of the earth. The moon shadow, falling aground, moves concordant with turn of the moon and puts a narrow band under darkness. For instance, this year's eclipse is represented by about 100-km wide band.
It is equal to the extent of the lands to be brought in the path of moon shadow. The path ranges from the Atlantic Ocean on to east of India, which is equal to about 0.2 percent of total span of the earth. However, it might take tens of years for a country to observe several total or partial solar eclipses over its sky a year.
The people living in the lands lying in the band of the moon's shadow would be capable of observing solar eclipse; of course in its partial form. For example, those in Isfahan would observe total eclipse of the sun this year but those remaining in Tehran would see partial solar eclipse. The best site to observe the phenomenon is the one lying on central part of the path, where longest duration of eclipse would occur.
Little by little edge of the brilliant sun's disc darkens. Gradually the slice of the sun blotted down by the moon grows bigger as if it is being swallowed by an invisible dragon. All look at the sun and follow up its obstruction with special sun glasses. More than one hour has passed since the time of moon's obstructing the sun.
It seems like a tiny crescent. It still throws dazzling spectacle. The leaves of trees have reflected hundreds of the images of sun's crescent to the ground. The sunlight crosses leaves of trees and draws images on the ground. No more than one or two minutes have left. The sun is losing its color and subsequently darkness makes the azure sky dark blue.
The last rays of sunlight seem like a diamond ring, formed by momentary flashes of light from a small valley in the moon, circling around the uneven surface of the moon. Now it has completely darkened. All remove eclipse special sun-glasses and gaze at the solar corona. The hot weather in the afternoon of the summer season has grown cooler and stars and several outshining planets have appeared.
The spot, where solar eclipse is witnessed for the first time, represents the area from where the sun and the moon rise. This year's solar eclipse is going to start off 700 kms east of New York. The moon shadow would then pass across the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, the first group to witness solar eclipse this year would be the fish of the ocean and the crew of the ship moving in those areas in the ocean that lies in the path of the solar eclipse.
Since the sunlight in the area is oblique, therefore, the moon shadow would be highly long. It will pass from above the waters at the supersonic speed of 10,000 kms an hour. It will then step into southern Islands of the U.K., passing through the well-known channel of Britain. It then reaches France. The moon crosses the path of the sun which passes 30 kms from Paris. It will not, however, put the ''city of lights'' under darkness.
Citizens of two big German cities, Stuttgart and Munich, can see total eclipse of the sun for more than two minutes provided the sky is clear. Having moved across Austria and Hungary, the moon shadow will reach Romania, that marks central point of the path crossed by the moon. That would be the midday in Romania when the sun would be totally obscured by the moon.
The sun will be positioned at its highest altitude. Due to the same reason, the moon shadow will move steadily and as a matter of fact the area will witness longer duration of solar eclipse compared to other regions. It will take the moon two minutes and 24 seconds to block out the sun near the attractive city of Bucharest, marking an area witnessing longest duration of solar eclipse this year.
Moving farther to the east wards, there will be lesser duration of the eclipse. But instead, as moon crosses to the east towards heart of Iran the weather will grow more pleasant than my other spot. Therefore, those seeking to observe the phenomenon over a clear sky while enjoying natural landscapes and ancient sites, are advised to come to eastern countries like Iran and Turkey. Residents of the western villages of Sardasht would be the first viewers of the solar eclipse in Iran on Wednesday, August 11, 1999. The moon shadow will fall on the region at about 16:20 hours local time and then would pass on to the beautiful lake of Zarivar. Without a doubt, many a citizens of Marivan and lovers of nature would flood into the bank of the lake to see the spectacular phenomenon.
Solar eclipse would be visible for one minute, 50 seconds at the lake. In Pahlavi language 'Zarivar' means a great lake or a lake similar to sea. The lake has special status among regional residents and many a tales have been narrated during ages about its coming to existence. It is surrounded by forest hills. The lake is usually frozen so solid that any passers-by would brave stepping on the ice without fearing the risk of its likely breaking.
A little a bit farther, there is the intact and beautiful region of Uramanat, south of Marivan. It is a mountainous region with traditional people. The interesting point is that longest duration of eclipse would be visible in skies of Uramanat. It would last one minute, 58 seconds in such villages as Bolbar or Uraman Takht. A little bit off downwards a good condition can be forecast for Paveh and Nowsood. On its way the moon shadow will be hosted by hospitable Kurdish people of Sanandaj. There are beautiful historical sites such as Jame' mosque, that is decorated with marmoreal columns and walls, and several houses, dating back to Qajarid era, in Sanandaj. In case of stepping into Kurdistan to view eclipse, you can visit the city of Takab, where Kurds and Azeris co-exist.
There is Takht-e-Soleyman fireplace, dating back to Sassanid era. If you are an adventurist, you are advised to go to 'Kereftu' castle, which is featured by a concrete and uneven route. Kereftu means worshipping site in Kurdish language. Southern band of the moon shadow runs through Kermanshahan, putting the most attractive ancient sites west of Iran under darkness. After that you can visit such tourist sites as Mo'avenulmulk religious center and Taq-e-Bostan mount with its designs, dating back to Sassanid era, in the city of Kermanshah. Somewhere in the designs one can see Khosrow Parviz on the back of his horse, 'Shabdiz'. Above the design one can see Khosrow Parviz receiving regal signet ring from Ahuramazda. Behind him, there is design of Anahita, who is pouring water from a jar to the ground.
At either side of the big arch there are two epigraphs showing Khosrow Parviz in the scene of hunting. The designs have been carved with special kind of delicacy. Beside two main archs there are designs of the Sassanid King Artaxerxes II, who has laid his feet on the enemy, while receiving the regal signet ring from Ahuramazda. Behind, there are designs of the god of light and sun, namely 'Mehr' or 'Mithra', seemingly supporting the king.
Next to him one can see design of the sun. See approach of the moon shadow from above the mountain to Taq-e-Bostan (cave). If sky is clear you can see the moon shadow running with a supersonic speed of 3,000 kms an hour, plunging all over the city into total darkness within a span of several seconds. Hence, the solar corona would face out and the stars would be visible.
The moon will then continue its journey to Bistoun mount, which was once a purely holy site in ancient Iran. Over there, the moon shadow will cast its shadow for one minute, 30 seconds, on designs of the Achaemenid king, Darius, and of those been taken captive by his eminence. Of course that's for years that frames have been installed at the area to repair the 2,500-year-old design and the public are banned to visit it.
Bistoun is not limited to this. A little bit farther, there is a piece of stone similar to a cube of cheese, cut by stone carvers in Achaemenid era. The 50-meter high even stone is called ''Farhad Tash'' after Farhad, the lover whose job was to cut stones. Moreover, you can visit statue of Hercules (a hero, occasionally worshipped as a god, of prodigious strength and courage who performed twelve immense tasks or labors imposed on him by Eurystheus king of Argos. He is usually shown in art with a lion-skin, club and bow.), castle of hunters and relics of two old bridges and a caravanserai.
After this, we reach Sahneh, which is the best site in Kermanshah Province from where one can observe the solar eclipse. Shirin-Farhad Catacombs is the most important site of the province. It is an inaccessible place at the heart of the mountain, which is believed to date back to Medians' era. A little a bit farther, there is Kangavar and its well-known Anahita Temple. Atop the splendid old temple you can gaze at the dark sun for one minute, 51 seconds.
This is the temple of the goddess of water and growing. If a day comes when its plundered stones or its pieces felling aground are put together, then its magnificent glory will be recovered. After that, the moon shadow will reach Hamedan Province and the moon disk will obscure 99 percent of the sun. It would not, however, revent visiting tomb of Babataher, Avecina and Esther and Mordecai, Alavids' Dome, the Achaemenid inscription of Ganjnameh and relics of the ancient city Hegmatane that from atop of which Hamedan penetrates into eyes.
To see total eclipse of the sun it is enough to go beyond Alvand Mountain, whose northern edge will stand parallel to edge of the band of moon shadow. Hamedani climbers can see from atop the beautiful Alvand that Hamedan remains light, while beyond plain of Tuyserkan will be plunged into darkness. Most of Hamedani residents would be the guest of Nahavand citizens, coming to the city to observe total eclipse for one minute, 54 seconds.
On your way you can see the only high castle of medians, that is unearthed. You can also see Noushijan Hill north of Malayer, that is a castle atop a small hill in a vast plain. It scaped immune from Assyrians' attack and marks today a unique memorial of those times in Iran. The moon shadow will reach Lorestan, the land of cascades, castles and beautiful lakes, so as to put Borujerd under darkness for one minute, 53 seconds.
But Khorramabad will fall off the solar eclipse path. You can see the well-known Falakolaflak Castle under the blocked sun and take a look at its museum. Dorud is undoubtedly a familiar name for lovers of nature. You can set up your tent beyond Gohar-e Ziba lake and watch the dark sun on August 11 along with fishes for one minute and 30 seconds.
Otherwise, you can go to Saravand Village and see the conical shadow of the moon, formed as a result of its blocking the sun, from atop the 40,500-meter Oshtorankuh, that would be the tallest mountain lying in the path of eclipse. Concurrent with happening of the phenomenon in Lorestan Province, parts of the southern regions of Central Province will also be put under the moon shadow.
Arak is not on the path of the total eclipse but residents of Arak can go to the nearby cities such as Shazand and Astaneh or Khomeyn to view the event. Eventually, the shadow will reach Isfahan. The most well-known city of the province, namely the historical city of Isfahan, is known as the city where in total eclipse will occur.
The solar eclipse will last shorter in the city compared to the western parts of the country. However, it is 95 percent probable that the sky would be clear there. Therefore, many prefer to sit beside Zayandeh-Rood lake and see the dark sun for one minute, 30 seconds in a clear sky. The first cities in Isfahan to lie in the path of the moon shadow would be Golpayegan, Khansar, Daran, Chadegan and Fereydounshahr. From atop the mountainous region of Golpayegan you can see the old minaret of Jame' Mosque and Dokhtar (girl) Castle, which lie in the vicinity of the city.
But the most beautiful part of Isfahan Province will be Zayandeh-Rood Dam near Chadegan, which is in fact a site serving as summer resort for inhabitants of Isfahan. The moon shadow then will step over land of Bakhtiari people south of Zayandeh-Rood Lake. The solar eclipse will last for more than one minute beyond Dowcheshmeh bridge, the historical bridge of Zamankhan and the roaring lake of Zayandeh-Rood. Saman would get dark on the day.
Shahr-e Kurd, known as rooftop of Iranian cities, will also be in the path of solar eclipse. If you be near Shahr-e Kurd on August 11 this year you are advised to visit Atabakan Mosque as well. It is one of the most beautiful palaces remaining from Bakhtiari Khans. Situated in Challeshtor, six kms from Shahr-e Kurd, the mosque bears beautiful all paintings and it is even said that one of the main chandeliers of the holy shrine of Hazrat Ali ibn Mousa al-Reza (AS), the eighth Imam of Prophet Mohammad's (SA) infallible household used to be hanged from the ceiling of the monument and was then gifted to the holy site.
After Shahr-e Kurd, the moon shadow will pass over ups and downs of Rokh pass and fall into Isfahan plain to put ``half of the world'' under darkness. Partial eclipse will be witnessed in Isfahan at about 15:15 and part of the sun would be darkened gradually. At 16:32 picture of the dark sun will fall on the blue water of Zayandeh-Rood lake and from top of Khaju and Si-o Seh-Pol bridge, you can see the most beautiful natural phenomenon occurring above.
Otherwise, you can stand atop Chehel-Sotun (40-column) or beside all attractive sites of Naqsh-e Jahan Square to gaze at the dark sun. As far as duration of solar eclipse is concerned, Najafabad would be the city compared to other cities in Isfahan to witness longest duration of the phenomenon due to its location in the vicinity of the central path of the shadow.
The total eclipse will last one minute, 47 seconds at the site. After the point, the shadow will move across Shahreza to put Gavkhouni Swamp under darkness. On its way the shadow will call on Yazd desert as well. Yazd would be out of the band of shadow. But Shirkuh alike Alvand in Hamedan would exactly lie on edge of the band of sahdow.
The interesting point is that contrary to its eastern sides, the western outskirts of the mountain will be plunged into darkness. Also it is interesting to say that the path of moon shadow will pass across Kurdistan on to southeast of Iran toward Zagros Mountain Chains. In that way it will pass Taft, known as summer resort of Yazd inhabitants. It will then move to Shirkuh and on its way it will step into Abarqu Desert. In that site you can observe total eclipse of the sun, while watching a 4,000-year-old Cypress tree and the well-known beautiful tower of Gonbad-e Ali. The city will be the only city in Fars Province to lie on the path of total eclipse.
The shadow will then travel to Kerman Province but will the 2,000-year-old Arg-e Bam be on the path as well? Really, the most attractive ancient site will be plunged into darkness amidst hot weather of Kerman's summer. You can gaze at the dark sun for one minute, 20 seconds, from above the notched porches and towers, built with sun-dried bricks, in Arg-e Bam and shout a shrilling cry out of joyness.
Since Kerman will not be in the path of total eclipse, therefore, you can go to Shahr region in Rafsanjan. As it passes eastward, the moon shadow will move with more speed and duration of total eclipse will get shorter. Sistan, the land of tales, will not witness total eclipse. The phenomenon will obscure Baluchestan's sky, however. There are deserts near Bazman village north of Iranshahr in Baluchestan Province that from where you can observe solar eclipse.
The moon shadow will eventually reach Saravan and after half an hour it will leave the land of permanent beauties via eastern borders for Pakistan and India with a speed of 5,000 km an hour so as to wind up its three-hour journey in Bengal at the sunset. Set aside anything you will do on August 11 and go to a site in Iran that from where the moon shadow band will run so as to tranquilize yourself with an aspect of natural beauty.
Do not forget that the next eclipse will occur 35 years later in Iran. But do not put yourself in vain. Observation of the solar eclipse in its partial stage without using a suitable filter will be highly dangerous and by so doing you will unconsciously put your eyes at severe danger at the moment. Even when it has been turned into a tiny and poor shining crescent, the sun will have harsh beams and gazing at it without any special sun-glasses, equipped with a suitable filter, will burn cells of your eyes' retina.
Therefore, refrain from using ordinary sun-glasses, radiographic films or photochromic glasses. Obtain eclipse special protective cardboard glasses from well-credited scientific centers and use them instead. You can also use welding glasses (the size 14 or two overlapping size 7 glasses). Do not forget to remove eye-glasses within the one or two minutes of total eclipse. (IRNA)