Discover scientific, astrological and cultural belief of Solar Eclipse

The word eclipse comes from the Latin word “eclipsis” — it means “to fail to appear.” When an eclipse occurs, it involves the sun, earth and the moon. Eclipse is divided into two — the solar and lunar. Solar eclipse is when the moon passes between earth and the sun while lunar eclipse is when earth passes between the sun and the moon. The ancient Greeks were the first to document solar eclipse. It has influenced literature, cultural practices and art. 

This article entails the different point of view of solar eclipse from scientists, astrologists and from ancient cultures.

Why is the solar eclipse so important?

The  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) asserts that for over a century, the solar eclipse helped scientists understand the structure of the sun in terms of discovery of new elements and other things. Cornographs are used by scientists to block the sun’s light to reveal the corona but still doesn’t  reveal it well. The corona is very visible during the total eclipse —- that is; scientists are able to see the hidden area of the sun.  Through the eclipse, there is always an opportunity to study the earth’s atmosphere under uncommon conditions.

Astrologist believes that:

2. Solar eclipse marks a new beginning in human life. A time to think, reflect on the past and be optimistic on what life has to offer. It is basically a moment to step into a new destiny and fate.
3. The energy from the eclipse is believed to raise issues that already need attention and demand action. In addition, past circumstances can resurface, hence, action to make life better should be embraced and the growth the universe is bringing.
4. The little disruption during the eclipse is viewed as the time when hidden truths or unnoticed paths become visible.

The effects of solar eclipse

1. Whenever the sun is blocked by the moon, there is usually a drop in temperature as well.
2. The wind pattern also changes as the ground and air above cools during the eclipse.
3. Farm animals like chicken, horses react to the change in temperature and darkening of the light. They think it’s evening or nighttime to sleep or groom.
4. For birds, there is more buzzing and chattering before the eclipse but when the atmosphere completely changes they become silent and fly in an unusual way.
5. Fish tend to become confused during the darkening of the skies because of their eating time (they usually feed early in the morning and evening).
6. Some wild animals like deer, porcupines that are either active at dawn or dusk react to solar eclipse because it is more of a signal to start their routine.
7. The sun serves as a primary source of food for plants. Photosynthesis usually slows down during solar eclipse according to scientific experiments. It reduces the productivity of plants.

Solar eclipse and culture

Some cultures do have their own definition or explanation for eclipse. They spiritualize it to actually explain what they think is ordinarily inexplicable.

China

Chinese believe a solar eclipse occurs when a dragon attacks the sun. This narrative has been in existence for over 4,000 years now. To drive away the dragon to save the sun according to history, people would beat drums and make loud noises during the eclipse 

India

It is believed in ancient Hindu that the beheading of a demon named “Rahu ” whose immortal head began to fly across the sky causes an eclipse. As a result, Rahu catches and swallows the sun but it appears back because Rahu has no throat.

Africa

The ancient people of Togo and Benin, Batammaliba believe that human anger and fight got to the moon and sun which also made them start fighting as well. During the eclipse, the Batammaliba people try to reconcile to embrace unity and peace.