As the unusual solar eclipse approaches, briefly darkening the skies on April 8th, false theories surrounding this astrological phenomenon proliferate on social media. In response to the situation, NASA denies that the April 8th solar eclipse will cause three days of darkness. Videos with claims about three days of total darkness due to the solar eclipse have spread on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok without any scientific basis. Consequently, scientists and institutions have stepped forward to clarify the matter.
Solar Eclipse of April 8th Revives Prophecy of Three Days of Darkness
The solar eclipse on April 8th has many of us excited, as something like this hasn’t happened since July 11th, 1991. However, it has also sparked fear due to all the surrounding conspiracy theories, with one biblical prophecy standing out: “the three days of darkness.” NASA has explained that the “totality,” as described when the Sun’s circumference is almost completely covered, during the April 8th eclipse will last a maximum of 4 minutes and 28 seconds, specifically in an area located about 25 minutes northwest of the city of Torreón in northern Mexico.
Other false and popular theories on social media about the astronomical event on April 8th revolve around predictions of natural disasters. Some users claim that earthquakes will be felt in the United States and Mexico. While there have been coincidences in the past, there is no scientific evidence of a correlation between eclipses and earthquakes. Some users also note with surprise that a lightning storm in March had a similar trajectory to the places where the eclipse is expected to be seen. However, there is no evidence suggesting that the events could be related.
Another theory circulating on social media suggests the possibility of electrical system failures during the eclipse. While solar power systems will be vulnerable, as one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity in the country, according to The New York Times, an eclipse is highly predictable, allowing energy providers to secure other sources of electricity in advance to meet consumer needs, the newspaper adds.
This story was written in Spanish by Perla Vallejo in Ecoosfera.