Since another total solar eclipse won’t be coming around the U.S. for
years, I’m getting all geared up to take it in. I’ve got my glasses, and since
Oregon is expected to be overrun with tourists, I even got the day off without
asking. Score! If I’m super-lucky, the skies will be clear…but this is Oregon, so here’s to hoping. People
are making a big deal about the eclipse, and wherever there are people, there’s
bound to be some weirdness. Which I am, of course, happy to share with you. First,
some cool weirdness.
>Did you know that by taking pictures of stars during a total solar
eclipse, Eddington demonstrated how gravity bends light? Also, French
astronomer Jules Janssen discovered helium during a solar eclipse in 1868. That’s
some super-cool scientific weirdness.
It is written…according to some Greek historians, a solar eclipse
in 585 BCE was enough of a sign to halt warfare between the Lydians and the
Medes. If only that worked in today’s world, right?
If you’re near animals during the eclipse, watch for some
weirdness. Experts say that the birds and insects go eerily silent. The
darkness confuses nocturnal animals into waking up and tricks others into
settling down for a nap. Since I live on some acreage, I plan to take notes on
the level of eeriness. For future writing projects, of course.
And now for some even weirder stuff…
In ancient China, predicting the eclipse was a big deal for an
emperor’s success. If astrologers failed, not only did this not bode well for their
leader, but some paid with their lives. And Babylonians would plant temporary
kings during eclipses so the bad luck wouldn’t fall onto their real king. Some
poor sap got to be king for a day—and face the wrath of their Gods.
Some people in India fast during the eclipse because any food
prepared during an eclipse will be unpure and/or poisonous. Even better, some
Indians avoid demonic possession during the eclipse by bathing in urine before
and after. And don’t forget to rinse your eyes! They also believe that urine protects
vision…but to be extra-safe, don’t forget protective eclipse glasses.
Thinking about getting it on during the eclipse? You might want to
reconsider. Back in the day, it was believed that would result in ugly, little
demon children.
Not that Dean Winchester as a demon is ugly...but to play it safe, go with what some Latin Americans do—wear red
undies and a safety pin to prevent any birth defects. Need a partner for some
eclipse action? Check craigslist. There's a 40 year old guy from Europe who's looking for a woman to help him produce a child during the eclipse. He claims he's smart, attractive, in good shape, and his blood is pure. Hrms. If he was such a great catch, I'm thinking he wouldn't have to resort to craigslist, but what do I know?
Whatever you plan to do for the eclipse, don’t forget to look down
too! Look at the horizon during totality for a 360 degree sunset. Check the
ground for shadow snakes or shadow bands, which are moving lines of alternating
light and dark. Smack something large and white on the ground beforehand to get
the full effect—they only occur during the seconds immediately before and after
totality. And lift your gaze again to find Mercury, which is usually outstripped by the sun.
Are you planning to view the eclipse?
30 comments:
I really enjoyed reading this article made laugh. Also live in the country so I'll check the animals and bugs sounds cool.
Probably not going to watch but it's a anyhow..
Hi, that is really interesting! I think we had an eclipse a few months ago in the southern hemisphere, but I hope everyone in the northern hemisphere enjoys it. Cheers.
Very interesting!
Thanks, Lisa! :) Since I've never seen a total eclipse (which is hear the difference between a partial eclipse and a total eclipse is the same as "almost falling in love" compared to the real deal), I'm excited!
Thanks for dropping by, DJK - I think the total eclipse is going to be super-cool, and since the odds of me being alive at the next one aren't good, I don't want to miss it. :)
I remember as a kid in elementary school we went outside and were each given special glasses to put on and watched the sun but I was too young to remember why. It was in the very early 80's or possibly 1979. Might have been a partial eclipse? Unfortunately, Indiana isn't in the path for this eclipse so I won't be able to see it : (
I remember watching partial eclipses too - I think we made homemade eye protection with a shoebox...but it's been a while, so I can't remember all the details! That's a shame you're not in the eclipse path, but I promise to enjoy it for you. :)
We'll see a partial eclipse here in Upstate NYand CJ, we made those "pinhole cameras" too when I was about t0 years younger than now. Only we did it with two 'shirt cardboards. This time, we'll sit outside but just not look up
Oh, BTW, I love the sun catcher. This motif is one of my favorites
Andrea - YES! Pinhole cameras, that's what they were called! I have actual, official glasses this time, so I'm ready. Thanks so much for dropping in!
Love the sun catcher!
I too, am a Native Oregonian.
However at the moment, I am a displaced one. Living way over here in Virginia.. yearning to be amid the pines and douglas firs..
Have a great weekend.
Another Oregonian -woot! I know exactly what you mean about the Douglas firs...every time I visited my grandparents in Nebraska, I knew I was home the second we drove into the Douglas firs. I love my Oregon trees! Thanks so much for stopping in. :)
I've seen a partial eclipse and can't wait for this eclipse. Loved reading your article. It was very informative.
Thanks, Sarah! I'm pumped to see the total eclipse too. :)
My husband is really excited about the eclipse. I enjoyed reading your post.
Thanks, Jean! I'm looking forward to experiencing the eclipse too. :)
I am looking forward to the eclipse! I am in Minnesota, so I will get 87% of the effect, according to NASA. I wish it was more but can't really complain. However, the local weather man has stated we may have storms that will obscure viewing the eclipse. I will hope for the best!
Oh no, not storms during the eclipse! I'm hoping for no clouds or rain too, but that would be such a bummer to miss out on the full effects of the eclipse. Thanks for dropping in, Amy! :)
I've never seen a total solar eclipse--and I won't get to see a total this time either. We're a little too far north. Still, it will be great to watch this. With protective eyewear, of course. Got ours, and they have the special code that they're approved. I enjoyed reading the info you got and what I researched for my post last week. I hope your town isn't overrun as I've heard many are along the path of the eclipse. Enjoy the total eclipse for me, too.
A fabulous post thank you.
Yes I will be watching the Eclipse with my children
Thanks for the great post with some interesting and funny info, lol. Can't even find any glasses anywhere where I live, so I don't know that I will be 'seeing' it.
Excellent post! Thanks for all those delightful tidbits. :)
Thanks, Diane! While there have been rumors of tourist flooding, it's quiet so far in my neck of the woods. :)
Thank you, Mary! :)
That's great, Angelia! Especially that you're experiencing it with your kids. I know some people who are shrugging it off as no big deal, but it's not like a total eclipse comes around every day, right?
Thank you, Maureen! My boss was kind enough to pick me up a pair, but I know they're all sold out now. You could always make a pinhole box... :)
Thanks, Joanne - nice to *see* you! :)
Some cool stuff. We had a dog with us and no change in him. Or in wildlife that we could tell. No crickets or anything coming out. It was just too short of a time period, I think.
I wanted to take note of the sudden quiet, but my rowdy neighbors blew it for me, cheering for the eclipse as if they were surprised it happened. So much for countryside suburbia... :)
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