Even as the world looks forward to the rare celestial phenomenon of a total solar eclipse Wednesday, astrologers here say the event could be a bad omen. But brushing aside the fears as superstition, astronomers are urging people to look at it as a scientific phenomenon.

Astrologer Daivajna K.N. Somayaji says the war of Mahabharata, World War II and Indira Gandhi's assassination all followed solar eclipses. He also believes that during the eclipse, individuals tend to become hypersensitive. 'It brings phenomenal negativity with it. So the best solution for people is to do poojas and yagnas or go to any temple to get rid of it.'

Dismissing the astrological forecast of bad luck, Siraj Hasan, director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), told: 'A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and earth, thus blocking out the sun for the viewers from the earth. It's a scientific phenomenon and should be viewed only in that light.' A.H. Rama Rao, president of the Bangalore Science Forum, said that the science fraternity would be using the solar eclipse to dispel superstitious beliefs associated with the celestial phenomenon.

Wednesday's eclipse will be the longest solar eclipse of the century. Lasting six minutes and 39 seconds, it would be visible across Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. The eclipse marks the celebration of the International Year of Astronomy globally.

Unlike Taregana village in Bihar, where the eclipse could be viewed much clearer, Bangaloreans will get only a partial view.

In Bangalore, the eclipse will begin at 5.38 a.m. (before sunrise). Hence, the rising sun itself will be eclipsed. The maximum eclipse will be at 6.21 a.m. with 66 percent coverage, says an official release of IIA. A bevy of scientists and research students from IIA is planning to study the eclipse, which wil last till 7.17 a.m., at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden.

A large number of enthusiasts is also likely to join the science fraternity at the garden, where experts will tell laymen the science behind the eclipse.