'Disaster is coming': Here are some myths and trivia about solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse is taking place on Monday, April 8, and everyone's excited about this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
The astronomical phenomenon—in which the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun—will cross North America and pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Depending on the weather, people along the path of totality will see the sun’s outer atmosphere or corona, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun.
The Philippines won’t see the total solar eclipse since it’s already midnight here. However, they can still experience it through NASA's live stream.
But what's more interesting is that throughout history, humans have tried to explain the wonders of nature through stories and myths. And of course, solar eclipses are one of them. Here's a look at some of the most common solar eclipse myths and trivia.
The oldest solar eclipse ever recorded happened over 4,000 years ago
According to NASA, the legendary eclipse that two Chinese astrologers Hsi and Ho failed to forecast occurred on Oct. 22, 2134 BCE.
The oldest successfully predicted and recorded eclipse in the Western world, was the Babylonian eclipse on May 3, 1375 BCE.
A solar eclipse only happens at New Moon, but not every New Moon
Astronomy Magazine noted that the only lunar phase when the moon is between the sun and the Earth is a New Moon.
But since the moon’s orbit is tilted 5° compared to Earth’s orbit around the sun, the sun would lie at either one of the two intersections of the paths called nodes. A solar eclipse only occurs when they’re at the same node.
Total solar eclipses don’t produce harmful rays that can cause blindness
NASA said that during a total solar eclipse—when the disk of the moon fully covers the sun—the brilliant corona emits only electromagnetic radiation.
Since it’s a million times fainter than the light from the sun itself, the coronal light won’t cross 150 million kilometers of space, penetrate the dense atmosphere, and cause blindness.
But NASA warned that watching the sun before totality, or the eclipse’s maximum phase, can cause retinal damage. They added that one should view the Sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer.
Totality only lasts for a few minutes
Several movies make it seem like a total solar eclipse’s totality lasts forever, if not for so long. In reality, it only lasts for a few minutes.
The longest period of totality during the last eclipse, in 2017, was near Carbondale in Illinois at 2 minutes and 42 seconds, NASA said.
This year, totality will last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.
King Henry I of England died during a total solar eclipse
The son of William the Conqueror died in 1133 CE during a total solar eclipse that lasted over four minutes on Aug. 2, according to NASA.
The eclipse, according to historian William of Malmesbury, was described as a “hideous darkness” that “agitated the hearts of men.”
King Henry I’s death led to a struggle for the throne and threw the kingdom into chaos and civil war.
Solar eclipse myths, superstitions
There are also myths and superstitions about the solar eclipse. For instance, ancient Greeks believed that it was a sign that the gods were angry and disasters were coming.
Ancient China, meanwhile, believes the eclipse happens when a celestial dragon eats the sun.
As for Koreans, they believe mythical dogs are trying to steal the sun during an eclipse.
There are also (false) beliefs that have persisted to this day. NASA noted that there are people who believe that pregnant women shouldn’t watch an eclipse for fear of harming the baby (due to harmful radiation).
The same radiation is also thought to “poison” food prepared during the celestial event, which is not true at all.
Solar eclipses are also perceived to be harbingers of bad things to come, though NASA noted it could be a classic case of confirmation bias.
Solar eclipse in pop culture
The solar eclipse has also been part of pop culture, as seen in film and heard in music.
In 2001: A Space Odyssey, the film opens with an eclipse from a view outside the Earth while Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra is played.
An episode of The Simpsons titled “Marge vs. the Monorail,” said to be one of the most memorable episodes of the popular American sitcom, shows a solar eclipse occurring while the solar-paneled monorail is speeding out of control.
In another episode titled “Gone Maggie Gone,” the titular family looks at a solar eclipse through a device made out of shoe boxes and a toilet paper roll, but Marga wears a bandage for two weeks after looking at it directly.
Of course, the list wouldn't be complete without a mention of the Japanese anime Sailor Moon. In season 3 of Sailor Moon Crystal, a total solar eclipse plays a pivotal role. It triggers the arrival of a villainous group and allows a trapped antagonist to escape. Sailor Moon ultimately finds a way to redeem the villain.
As for music, one of the most popular songs there is Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler. In fact, she will be singing her hit song aboard the Royal Caribbean ship Oasis of the Seas during its 7-day Total Eclipse Cruise a few hours before the forecasted eclipse.
According to NASA, this is the only recorded song that mentions a specific eclipse. Carly Simon's You're So Vain song from 1971 is about a former lover who flew his "Lear jet up to Nova Scotia to see a total eclipse of the sun" on March 7, 1970.
Iron Maiden, John Denver, and Pink Floyd also have songs about eclipses.
