Top myths associated with solar eclipses

One of the many myths surrounding total solar eclipse is that it can cause blindness. Fact is, during totality, the sun's corona emits only faint electromagnetic radiation, posing no risk to vision. However, looking directly at the sun before totality can cause retinal damage. (Photo: Jason Howell via Unsplash)

Humans have been observing solar eclipses for centuries, leading to a growing understanding of these celestial phenomena. While scientific explanations have replaced many older ideas, some myths persist. Here are a few enduring ones:

MYTH: Total solar eclipses can cause blindness

FACT: During totality, the sun's corona emits only faint electromagnetic radiation, posing no risk to vision. However, looking directly at the sun before totality can cause retinal damage.

MYTH: Pregnant women should avoid viewing eclipses

FACT: While some fear harmful radiation during eclipses, the corona's light is safe. Neutrinos from the sun pass through Earth continually, posing no risk to health, including fetal development.

MYTH: Eclipses can contaminate food

FACT: There's no evidence that eclipses affect food safety. Such beliefs stem from unfounded fears of harmful radiation during these events.

MYTH: Eclipses foreshadow disaster

FACT: Confirmation bias leads to linking eclipses with negative events. While historical records may associate eclipses with upheavals, many such connections are coincidental.

MYTH: Total solar eclipses don't occur at the North or South Poles

FACT: Solar eclipses can occur anywhere on Earth. The last total eclipse viewed from the North Pole was in 2015, and from the South Pole in 2003.

MYTH: The moon turns entirely black during totality

FACT: Earthshine illuminates the moon's surface, making it visible during totality, surrounded by the sun's corona.

MYTH: The solar corona has always been observed during eclipses

FACT: Historical accounts often lack detailed descriptions of the corona. The first detailed record dates back to 1715.

MYTH: Eclipses predict significant life changes

FACT: Astrological forecasts linking eclipses to life events lack scientific basis and rely on confirmation bias.

MYTH: Solar eclipses signal exceptional celestial events

FACT: Eclipses are predictable astronomical phenomena, highlighting the universe's regularity.

MYTH: Eclipses near your birthday indicate health issues

FACT: Correlations between eclipses and health are coincidental and lack scientific basis.