Allaying public fears over any adverse impact on the Earth due to Saturn and Mars coming close to each other on Sunday night, astrophysicists said the celestial phenomenon was not a cause for worry.

Panic phone calls to the M P Birla Planetarium since last evening prompted its officials to go on a myth-busting drive as planetary scientists and astrophysicists made public appearances to rubbish claims by astrologers that the cosmic event could have an impact on people and the environment.

"Saturn and Mars are so far away from the Earth that their coming close will have absolutely no effect on the orbit or environment of the Earth," said Debi Prosad Duari, a senior scientist at the planetarium.

Saturn and Mars appear to be close to one another every two years and 20 days and the phenomenon could not be described as "very rare", he said.

"They are actually not close but simply appear to be close since they revolve on the same plane. Around this time every two years, they look as if they are very close to each other on the western horizon," he said.

Duari said the event was slightly exciting for amateur astronomers this year since the apparent distance between the two planets was around 0.56 degree or, in layman's language, about the diameter of the moon.

"Saturn and Mars were this close about 20 years back and will come so close after 16 years," he said.

In reality, the planets are about 120 crore km away from one another.

Eminent planetary scientist Amalendu Bandyopadhyay said there was nothing ominous about the cosmic alignment.

"Both Saturn and Mars are believed to be evil planets in astrology. So some people are using this chance to fleece people and make some money," he said.

The cosmic event, which began last night, will last till Sunday night and the two planets will appear to move away from each other after that.


timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1657056.cms

the ill effect will show more on ppl born in aries ascedent or moon sign
and also on ppl born in cancer ascendent or moon sign

these ppl will suffer mentally till july 13th

i guess i can see that effect on Abhisek... his moon sign is aries... and he seems to b mentally down:(
any remedies for that?
swetha

I am of the view India could witness a severe earthquake between 7th July and 13th  July and could see many loss of life during that period.  Earthquake and large scale natural calamity like floods, fire ,volcanic eruption in the western , North , north western, and southern part of the globe during the period. Terrorist attack of great magnitude could also be heared during the period

this year doesnt seem to be good for many people:(
will the time be better after july?