Reality and myths about solar eclipses

Tomorrow, part of the world will witness the biggest total solar eclipse in 16 years. The natural phenomenon that humans now understand is the subject of countless mystical colors.

>> The famous eclipse in history

>> Some interesting things about eclipse

The Moon moved into a completely obscured position in 2012. (Photo: NASA)

The largest total eclipse in 16 years will take place on March 20, blocking up to 90% of sunlight in many areas in Europe . In northern Scotland, the Moon will obscure 95% of the Sun. London and the southeast of England will experience the feeling of "dark in the dark" to 85%.

Historically, this phenomenon is associated with many myths, legends of the ancients, or in some remote areas of the world today. Some cultures consider this a bad omen.

What is eclipse

Eclipse is a natural phenomenon, which occurs when the Moon moves into orbit between the Earth and the Sun. At this time, the Sun is obscured by the Moon and the Moon's shadow covers the Earth.

The total solar eclipse occurs when the Earth cuts across the dark center of the Moon shadow . Meanwhile, if this part does not reach the surface of our planet, the Sun is only partially obscured or the so-called annular eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the viewer is in the midnight area.

On August 11, 1999, the solar eclipse caused the Sun to be covered 100% from Cornwall, England. According to scientists, the obscurity phenomenon can last as long as 7.5 minutes. Obscurity can occur 2-5 times a year. The same eclipse cycle lasts 18 years and 11 months.

When the Moon is still very close to the Earth, it completely blocks the Sun's disk. However, over time, when the Moon's orbit changes at a rate of 2cm / year, the alignment of the three nearly perfect objects only appears occasionally. Experts predict that in the next few million years, when this orbit continues to expand, the total solar eclipse will no longer occur.In the future, the observer will only see the solar eclipse.

Total eclipse in France in 1999. (Photo: Wikipedia)

Myths

The eclipse of 1133 BC was once called King Henry's eclipse of England. When Henry I died shortly after this phenomenon, it further confirmed the belief that this was a bad sign for the kings.

Chinese people used to think that predicting eclipses is very important, because they can be a threat to the emperors. In 2134 BC, because of unpredictability, two astrologers were beheaded.

In Hindu mythology, the demon of Rahu and Ketu snakes is said to swallow the Sun, absorb light and cause the eclipse to appear. Meanwhile for the ancient Greeks, this was a sign of a disaster. They occur due to the anger and indignation of the gods.

According to the Gospel, on the day of Jesus' crucifixion, the sky became dark and black. Many assume that this is a miracle or a sign of a dark period. Historians argue that it is related to the eclipse of 29 or 33 BC.

The eclipse appeared on January 27, 632 BC, coinciding with the day the son of the Prophet Mohammed died. According to Muslim scholars, this leads to speculation that this is a strange thing to mark death.

In Korean folklore, the Sun is stolen by dogs. In some remote areas of India, vegetarianism is applied in communities where people fear eclipses will poison food.