10 myths related to solar eclipse and the truth around them

Harmful to pregnant women and unborn children There is no scientific evidence to suggest that solar eclipses pose any danger to pregnant women or their unborn children. 

Eclipses bring misfortune or bad omens Solar eclipses are natural astronomical events and have no connection to human events or fortunes. While ancient cultures often saw eclipses as bad omens, this was due to a lack of understanding of the event.

You should not eat or cook during an eclipse There is no scientific basis to back this belief. The Sun’s light is simply blocked temporarily by the Moon, it does not affect the safety of food or water.

Solar eclipses cause diseases Solar eclipses do not cause or spread diseases. This belief likely stems from historical associations between eclipses and periods of famine or disease. 

Looking at the eclipse will make you blind While staring directly at the Sun at any time, including during a solar eclipse, can cause eye damage, it is mainly due to the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, not some supernatural force.

Eclipses are signs of gods or demons devouring the Sun Ancient cultures, such as in China and India, believed that celestial creatures or demons devoured the Sun during an eclipse. But, scientifically this is not the case. 

Solar eclipses cause earthquakes, tsunamis There is no scientific evidence linking solar eclipses to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or other natural disasters. Eclipses do not affect the Earth’s geological processes.

Animals behave erratically during a solar eclipse While animals may exhibit some unusual behaviour during a solar eclipse due to the temporary darkness, it is not dangerous or significant. Some animals might think it’s night and begin their nighttime activities.

Eclipses affect human emotions and behaviours With no scientific basis to back the idea, this is a myth. People may feel awe when witnessing such a rare event, these reactions are psychological.

Solar eclipses are rare and unpredictable events Solar eclipses are quite predictable. Astronomers can calculate the time and location of solar eclipses years or even centuries in advance. 

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