7 Myths And Truths Related To A Solar Eclipse
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If you enjoy following stories about space, then you will be delighted to know that the first solar eclipse of the year 2021 will be happening on the 10th of June, 2021. This is just one of the two solar eclipses that are predicted to appear this year. Many who are curious about the cosmos would probably want to view this once-in-a-blue-moon phenomenon. However, you must be aware that there are tonnes of truths and myths related to this occurrence. You’ve probably heard plenty of old wives’ tales and stories about myths and legends related to it from your grandparents. Well, we are here to dispel a few of them:
1. Myth: Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Step Out
One of the most common solar eclipse superstitions is that pregnant women need to stay indoors and avoid viewing the solar eclipse. People believe that if they view the eclipse, it may harm their baby. Others believe that pregnant women should not hold sharp objects like knives during the solar eclipse, or their baby will end up with a birthmark. However, plenty of doctors laugh off these claims and say that they have zero space in medical science. The only thing pregnant women should be doing during the solar eclipse is avoiding looking at the sun directly as that could damage their eyesight.
2. Truth: Viewing The Solar Eclipse Directly Will Damage Your Eyes
You wouldn’t stare straight at the sun when you walked out of your home, right? Just like watching the sun directly, if you view the sun directly during a solar eclipse, you can severely damage your eyes. Many people believe that using photographic negatives or sunglasses will protect their eyes from the harsh rays of the solar eclipse. However, this is not the case, and experts recommend using “eclipse glasses” or special-purpose solar filters. Even if you wear the darkest sunglasses that you own, you can still damage your eyes as sunlight can still penetrate them.
3. Myth: You Shouldn’t Travel During A Solar Eclipse
While it is true to a certain extent that a solar eclipse can cause a person to get distracted if they are driving/riding while it is happening, there is no scientific evidence that tells you to stay indoors. If anything, you should ensure that there is a safe distance between yourself and the cars ahead of you.
4. Truth: There Are Three Types Of Solar Eclipses
While many believe that there is only one type of solar eclipse that exists, the reality is that there are actually three different types of solar eclipses that exist. They are a total solar eclipse, an annular solar eclipse, and a partial solar eclipse. When the moon completely blocks the solar dish, it is referred to as a total solar eclipse. During this, the most narrow part of the path is referred to as the zone of totality. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is a little further in its orbit than usual. During this event, a bright ring of sunlight is emitted and shines around the moon. When the Earth moves through the lunar penumbra, a partial solar eclipse occurs as the moon moves in between the Earth and the sun. Since the moon does not block the entire solar disk, you can see a tiny sliver of the sun.
5. Myth: Don’t Eat Anything During The Eclipse
Many claim that it’s not a good idea to cook or eat during the solar eclipse, but these claims have no scientific backing behind them. Others believe that you should throw away pickled food during a solar eclipse as it can spoil away. There is zero basis to these claims as the eclipse is just a play of shadows, the moon, the sun, and it won’t affect the fundamental nature of Earth. It’s not like we exchange the regular sun with an evil one during this time. Food is unaffected by the movement of astronomical bodies, so stop blaming them for your indigestion!
6. Truth: Solar Eclipses Are Quite Rare
In the end, a solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon. It happens during the New Moon. This is when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction with one another. If the moon was just a tad bit closer to the Earth and was orbiting it in the same plain, we would have seen eclipses every month. However, due to the fact that the orbit of the moon is elliptical and tilted, we only get to see about five eclipses a year at the max.
7. Myth: You Will Feel Lethargic And Grumpy
Many folks out there believe that a solar eclipse can make you sluggish and tired, but this isn’t the case. We recommend that those people get a little more sleep at night. Others believe that the astronomical event can have a negative impact on one’s mood and leave them feeling irritated for no reason.
While you might be tempted to break the rules and view the solar eclipse directly, we’d advise you not to risk it. Follow the correct instructions and avoid listening to others who tell you that nothing will happen if you look directly at the eclipse. Do let us know all of your thoughts in the comment section below!
