Spectators around the world were amused by last December 26th after they witnessed the previous solar eclipse of 2019. The annular solar eclipse that happened on that day was when the moon covers the sun’s center and while leaving and a transparent outer edge. The thrilled skywatchers were in awe after the moon passing in the face of the sun left that brilliant ring of light. The whole world calls it the “ring of fire” and remains to be astonished until today. Astronomers were even delighted by this phenomenon.
There are three types of solar eclipse, namely the total, partial, and annular. A solar eclipse can occur during New Moon. This happens with the moon moving between the earth and the sun. A straight line is formed by the earth moon and soon, which are known as the celestial bodies. When the moon completely covers the sun, a solar eclipse occurs.
Partial Solar Eclipse happens when the moon only covers the partial disk of the sun. Annular Solar Eclipse, on the other hand, occurs when the moon seems to be smaller than the sun as it passes the center of the solar disk, and a bright ring appears. The annular is the one that happened last December 26th. Every year, there is a minimum of four eclipses. Though it depends upon the year, it is also possible to have five, six, or even seven eclipses in one year.
What does it mean to have a solar eclipse?
Scientifically, the solar eclipse is just a natural occurrence. It is a natural phenomenon when these three celestial bodies naturally fall in one line. Scientists have proven that this harmless and nothing to be scared of. This is just one of the wonders of the world.
However, we cannot deny that historically, historians find the solar eclipse to be very valuable. This occurrence became an essential resource for them dated back to 763 BC. Eclipse has been serving as an interpretation of omens or portents. One of the written bases for this is the battle between Medes and Lydians, where both sides put down their weapons. The eclipse of that time made them declare peace.
But solar eclipse has caused not only curiosity over a thousand of years. It is also with the fear that has been linked to different myths, legends, and superstitions throughout history. It is even considered a bad omen in so many cultures. Different mythologies back up this superstition. According to a Hindu mythology, the deity Rahu swallowed the sun causing an eclipse. In Korean folklore, the eclipse happens when a mythical dog steals the sun. Ancient Greeks, on the other hand, believed that an eclipse occurred when the dragon ate the sun. For them, the eclipse brought crisis and an existential threat. It also means an act of abandonment. These different mythological beliefs brought fear for most people.
Should we be scared of it?
It will not cause a penny if you believe in these superstitions. However, as you think, of course, decision making in some areas or part of your life will be affected though it is minor to say. But scientifically, there is nothing to be afraid of. The solar eclipse is just a phenomenon, a natural phenomenon, to be exact. Nothing to worry about unless you witness the solar eclipse without wearing a proper eye year because it can damage your eye. But apart from that, it is nothing, not even a bad omen.
In totality, the solar eclipse is caused by a fortuitous combination of circumstances. The earth and its people have witnessed a million eclipse even before. The eclipse is a natural occurrence that is caused by the movements of the celestial bodies. A million years ago, the sun and the moon were close to one another, so in fact, the eclipse is just an ordinary occurrence.
Whatever you believe in, do remember that we have our natural path, the earth’s path, the moon, and the sun’s path, and once they align every four to seven times a year, that is when we can witness an eclipse. Why not encourage yourself, instead of thinking about the negative things brought by superstition, allow yourself to enjoy the beauty of the universe and its spectacular imagery.