Solar Eclipse - Busting the Superstitions & Myths

by de Paula FJ
Solar Eclipse - Busting the Superstitions & Myths

Solar eclipse is a spectacular celestial phenomenon and it occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth so that the former is partially or fully covered. Although it's a natural event strongly supported with scientific explanations, people all over the world cutting across all religious lines blindly practice rituals which can be simply termed as superstitions. In fact, solar eclipse is an event to remember, a life time experience that helps us to imagine beyond our planet.There are 'n' number of superstitions surrounding the celestial event and in order to ward-off the associated fears and myths we need to understand one thing, why such a hype? The answer is simple - solar eclipse is not a new event and is occurring since the time immemorial. If we go back in the history, say about just 500 years, we see that science was not so much advanced and people were quite irrational. Even for small things they used to refer holy books, consult so called wise-men and then make a decision. For them, solar eclipse was something beyond explanation and therefore they have to believe in the superstitions like, victory of dark over light i.e. bad over good.But this kind of thinking in today's world is not at all acceptable. Though solar eclipse can be harmful if proper care is not taken to view it, it is has no ill-effects as has been described by people believing in illogical things. If the person does not take care while viewing the solar eclipse, he may end up losing his eye sight with permanently damaged retina. So, here's the list of do's and don'ts:1. Never view a solar eclipse with your naked eyes while it is in progress. Always use proper solar filters. Although, a total solar eclipse can be viewed without any safety gear, it is just for few minutes and as the sun starts to reappear, the eyes become vulnerable.2. Never use even the best available sunglasses to witness the event as they are not capable of protecting the eyes from the intense glare of sun.3. Don't use a low quality, thin or spurious filter or film as they stand no chance to prevent the sun-rays from damaging your eyes.4. Binoculars or telescopes can be used but make sure they have the solar filters fitted in.Now few things about the superstitions and myths:1. Some people believe that food should not be cooked and eaten during this period. Don't follow this illogical advice and do eat your meals at proper time. Few people assert that due to absence of sunlight, germs get accumulated on food and that's why it is not healthy. So what do these people do during rainy or winter season when sun is rarely visible?2. Another popular myth is that pregnant women should not step out of the house as their womb may get damaged. This is completely false as researches have shown that solar

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