By NewsBlogger The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 is generating interest in debunked conspiracy theories, particularly the Flat Earth belief. Experts emphasize the importance of scientific literacy and understanding the celestial mechanics behind the event.
At a glance
- A total solar eclipse is expected on April 8, a rare cosmic event where the sun and moon align.
- There has been a resurgence of debunked conspiracy theories, particularly the Flat Earth belief.
- Scientists have a thorough understanding of eclipses, and NASA provides detailed explanations.
- This is the last opportunity for the next two decades to witness the moon’s orbit blocking the sun’s disk in the U.S.
- 31 million Americans anticipated witnessing the eclipse, and safety eyewear is recommended.
The details
A total solar eclipse, a rare and breathtaking event in which the sun and moon align to create a stunning cosmic display, is expected to occur on April 8.
This upcoming eclipse has reignited interest in debunked conspiracy theories, particularly those related to anti-science beliefs.
Experts have raised concerns about disseminating these theories, emphasizing the risks they pose to public understanding and scientific literacy.
Flat Earth Conspiracy Theory
One prominent conspiracy theory that has resurfaced in light of the impending eclipse is the Flat Earth belief.
Flat Earthers assert that the Earth is flat, surrounded by a dome and ice walls.
They challenge photographic evidence from space and argue that the sun and moon are much closer than mainstream astronomers suggest.
Scientific Understanding of Eclipses
In contrast, scientists thoroughly understand total solar eclipses, which occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align in a specific manner.
NASA has provided detailed explanations of solar eclipses, outlining the intricate celestial mechanics involved.
The narrow path of the eclipse is a result of the distances and sizes of the celestial bodies. Total eclipses happen sporadically due to the moon’s orbit.
Throughout history, belief in a flat Earth has experienced intermittent resurgences, including in the 19th century and more recently in the 2010s with the advent of social media.
The ancient Greeks were among the first to acknowledge the Earth’s round shape around 500 B.C., underscoring the enduring nature of scientific knowledge.
Looking ahead to the upcoming total solar eclipse, it is important to highlight its significance for observers in the United States.
This event will mark the last opportunity for the moon’s orbit to directly block out the sun’s disk in this region for the next two decades.
The sun’s corona will shine brighter, the moon will appear larger, and the totality will last longer compared to the 2017 eclipse.
This eclipse coincides with the peak activity of an 11-year solar cycle, enhancing the celestial spectacle.
The path of totality will traverse Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, with an estimated 31 million Americans anticipated to witness the event.
Major cities along the path, such as Eagle Pass, Texas, will experience periods of darkness ranging from a few seconds to over four minutes.
It is imperative to wear safety eyewear and take precautions to shield one’s eyes from the sun’s intense rays when viewing the eclipse.
In conclusion, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is poised to be a momentous occasion, blending scientific marvel with cultural fascination.
As the world prepares to witness this cosmic event, it is crucial to distinguish between fact and fiction and appreciate the beauty of the natural world’s celestial ballet.
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| – The sun and moon will align during the total solar eclipse on April 8 – Renewed debunked conspiracy theories have emerged – Anti-science conspiracy theories can spread easily – Experts warn about the dangers of conspiracy theories – Flat Earth conspiracy theory is a concerning one – Flat Earthers believe the Earth is flat with a dome and walls of ice – Flat Earthers dispute photographic evidence from space – Flat Earth believers think the sun and moon are closer than astronomers say – Scientists have a comprehensive understanding of total solar eclipses – Total solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align – NASA explains how solar eclipses happen – Solar eclipses happen when the moon passes between the sun and Earth – The path of the eclipse is narrow due to the distance and size of the sun – Total eclipses happen occasionally due to the moon’s orbit – Ancient Greeks knew the Earth was round in 500 B.C. – The Flat Earth belief resurfaced in the 19th century – Flat Earthers had a resurgence in the 2010s with social media – Three general reasons for belief in conspiracy theories – Conspiracy theories can be appealing during times of social change and uncertainty |
| eu.usatoday.com |
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| – A total solar eclipse will occur on April 8 – Last time in 20 years that the moon’s orbit will cause it to directly blot out the sun’s disk in the United States – The sun’s corona will be brighter, the moon will appear larger, and the totality will last longer than in 2017 – Sun will be at peak activity of an 11-year solar cycle – Moon will be closer to Earth than in 2017 – Eclipse may coincide with the passage of a ‘devil comet’ – Path of totality will pass over Mexico, U.S., and Canada – An estimated 31 million Americans will witness the eclipse – Major cities along the path include: – Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the eclipse – Eclipse’s path will end in Maine before visiting Canada – Mexico’s Pacific coast will be the first location to experience totality – Totality in the U.S. will begin at 1:27 p.m. CDT in Eagle Pass, Texas – Path will cut diagonally across the country – Periods of darkness could last a few seconds to over four minutes – Major cities in each state where totality will occur – Safety eyewear is necessary to view the eclipse |
