Page 24 - Dream_2047_June_2020

ANNULAR S LAR ECLIPSE DISPELLING MYTHS
falls on the Earth. Therefore, there is no change of emission pattern released from the surface of the Sun during an eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth is located between the Moon and the Sun thereby blocking the Sun’s light from reaching the Moon. Since the reflected light from the eclipsed
Moon is negligible as compared to the light of the Sun, there is no danger in watching a lunar eclipse with naked eye.
Another common misconception is
that watching a solar eclipse can cause
permanent blindness. This is only partly
true because, looking at the Sun directly
is harmful regardless of whether there is
an eclipse or not. Scientists have studied
the radiations from the Sun and stated that
direct viewing of the solar eclipse without eye
protection could result in blindness. However,
during a total solar eclipse, it is safe to watch with
the naked eye only during totality, when the Sun is fully blocked. During totality, when the Moon’s disc completely covers the Sun, only the Sun’s corona emits electromagnetic radiation. This radiation from Sun being so faint cannot cause blindness. However, it is advised not to look at the Sun before or after totality with naked eye because it can cause damage to the retina.
The restrictions on eating and drinking during eclipses have been ascribed to the supposed poisoning of food during an eclipse. The process of cooked food going bad within some
hours is a natural and common event that we experience daily. But there is no real science to support the belief that food gets spoiled during an eclipse.
Another persistent belief in this modern age is that of solar eclipse causing birth defects in unborn foetuses or miscarriages in pregnant women. The belief also traces its
origin to some unfortunate events and stories of the past. The suddenness of the darkness that descends at totality can be frightening enough to cause a pregnant woman to abort; therefore there is no scientific evidence that eclipses per se harm
pregnant women or their unborn babies. Scientists have stated that there is no scientific basis behind these myths and superstitions and that eclipses have no harmful effects on us. The government and many scientific organisations, engaged with science popularisation activities including Vigyan Prasar have encouraged people to come out and witness the magnificent natural phenomenon using certified filters and
eclipse glasses.
Vigyan Prasar organises regular awareness programmes to
popularise astronomy and dispel the myths among students, teachers and general masses to inculcate scientific temper. It also organises public viewing camps and activities during solar and lunar eclipses.
The author is Scientist ‘F’ in Vigyan Prasar. Email: kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in
Chinese dragon chasing the Sun
24 dream2047/june2020