Top myths associated with solar 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.