Annalar

Annalar is a term used in the context of ancient Indian astronomy and astrology, particularly in the works of the astronomer Aryabhata. It refers to a specific type of lunar eclipse that occurs when the Moon is at its apogee, the farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit. During an Annalar eclipse, the Moon is too small to cover the entire Sun, resulting in a ring of sunlight around the Moon, known as an annulus.

The term "Annalar" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Annal" and "Ara," which mean "without" and "eclipse," respectively. This reflects the unique nature of the eclipse, where the Moon does not completely obscure the Sun. Annalar eclipses are relatively rare and occur when the Moon's apparent diameter is smaller than the Sun's, typically during the apogee phase of the Moon's orbit.

Aryabhata, an ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer, is credited with providing detailed descriptions and calculations of Annalar eclipses in his work "Aryabhatiya." His observations and computations laid the foundation for future studies in astronomy and astrology in ancient India. The concept of Annalar eclipses continues to be studied and analyzed by modern astronomers to understand the dynamics of the Earth-Moon-Sun system.