Topics and Fun facts to discuss the Solar eclipse
Happy Sun Watching!
*Show Transcript lightly edited for clarity*
The phrase “the tail wagging the dog” is an expression that describes a situation where a minor or secondary factor or component is controlling or dominating a larger or more significant one. It implies a reversal of roles, where the less important aspect appears to be driving or influencing the more substantial entity.
This phrase is often used metaphorically to highlight instances where something that should be subordinate or insignificant is, in fact, dictating the course of events or decisions. It suggests that the normal hierarchy or order of influence is inverted or disrupted.
The word “eclipse” originates from the Greek word “ekleipsis,” which means “a forsaking” or “an abandonment.” This term was derived from “ekleípō,” meaning “to leave out,” “to fail,” or “to cease to exist.” In the context of astronomy, an eclipse occurs when one celestial body obscures or partially obscures another. So, the term “eclipse” aptly describes this phenomenon of one celestial body seemingly forsaking or abandoning its light as it is obscured by another.
So look up or don’t look up?
Don’t Look up!
According to the author John Dvorak in his book Mask of the sun, an eclipse is never just about science nor is it simply about the spectacular and unusual views or the strange phenomena. The excitement comes mainly from how one reacts to an eclipse , that is the sudden disappearance of our most reliable and stable source of light and heat. The sun. The most common example offered by people in prehistory for the disappearance of the sun or the moon was that it was being consumed by some great cosmic demon. To the Cherokee of North America it was a great frog that was swallowing the sun, . In Egypt it was a serpent. To the people in south America it was the Jaguar that they feared.
Among many African cultures for example the Yoruba people of Nigeria, the Maasai People of Kenya and Tanzania solar eclipses were believed to be times of temporary conflict and that it was essential to maintain peace and harmony within the community to ensure the safe resolutions.
Many civilizations decided that the best way to vanquish the demon that was consuming the sun was to band together at the first sign of an eclipse and make as much noise as possible to scare it away. It must have worked as the sun returned every time!
Why look up?
Philip Harrison in his book Eclipse! , A solar eclipse can only occur during a new moon and a lunar eclipse only during a full moon.
When the moon passes between the earth and the sun so that the moons shadow falls on the earth, there is a solar eclipse. When the moon moves into o the earths shadow, so that the earth lies between the sun and the moon there is a lunar eclipse.
For a few precious moments the Moon will completely cover the Sun entirely along the central path of a total solar eclipse.
The photosphere, the blindingly bright surface of the Sun that is visible on any sunny day, is hidden from view, allowing other, normally invisible features of the Sun to be seen. Surrounding the photosphere is a thin, deep-red layer of the Sun called the chromosphere. Measuring only a few thousand kilometers thick, the chromosphere can usually be seen for only scant seconds at the beginning and end of totality. Protruding from behind the Moon’s silhouette are the glorious, flamelike prominences, streching
for thousands of kilometers into space. Finally, encircling the eclipsed Sun and extending for several times the Sun’s diameter is the pearly white corona.
Those who have witnessed the solar eclipse first hand describe total solar eclipses as one of the most awe inspiring events that nature has to offer with people traveling great distances to witness the beauty and awe of the solar corona, chromosphere and prominences all features of the sun that are normally hidden by the intensity of the suns brilliant face. To witness this seemigly forsaking or abandoning of its light. And for a brief moment like thousands of our ancestors before as , witness this wagging of the dog by its tail.
By the way – the next solar eclipse that will be visible here in the united states is preditcted to be in August 12 2045. Safe to say this may be a once in a life time opportunity for some.
Did i forget to mention that there is money to be made from eclipse watching? There are many tour companies that sponsor eclipse expeditions as well as a number of people that have airbnb and campsites that are enjoying the windfall of being in the path of the total eclipse. So whether you are doing this for fun or lookig at this as a way to earn some extra cash..
Happy sun watching!