The night sky has a way of captivating us, whether it’s during an eclipse, a meteor shower, or simply gazing up at the stars and constellations. People from all corners of the globe are drawn to these celestial events, but unfortunately, they’re often accompanied by a flurry of misinformation, misconceptions, and outright fake news that can be misleading and lacking in scientific basis.
One of the common concerns that arises, particularly during events like the total lunar eclipse that took place on Friday, March 14, which was visible from Spain, is whether eclipses can have any adverse effects on pregnant women. The origin of this concern stems from an age-old myth warning expectant mothers that an eclipse could potentially harm their unborn baby. However, it’s essential to set the record straight: this notion has no scientific credibility whatsoever.
This myth is often linked to another falsehood, which suggests that eclipses emit harmful radiation. Although this idea is more commonly associated with solar eclipses rather than lunar ones, it’s crucial to address the misconception. According to NASA, while the electromagnetic radiation from the corona, perceived as light, is entirely safe, there is another form of radiation that travels from the Sun to Earth.
At the Sun’s core, where nuclear fusion occurs to produce its light, particles called neutrinos are born. These neutrinos travel unhindered from the Sun into space, passing through the solid body of the Moon during an eclipse, and then, about a second later, they reach and pass through the Earth. Every second, the human body is exposed to billions of these neutrinos, regardless of whether the Sun is above or below the horizon. The only consequence of this exposure is that, every few minutes, some of the atoms in our body absorb a neutrino and are transmuted into a different isotope – an effect that is completely harmless and poses no risk to us or, if we’re pregnant, to the developing fetus.
Understanding the Science Behind Eclipses
To better grasp the science behind eclipses and their alleged effects on human health, it’s essential to delve into the basics. Eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on our planet. This alignment can only happen during a new moon, when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. The type of eclipse that occurs – whether it’s total, annular, or partial – depends on the Moon’s distance from Earth.
Debunking the Myths
Several myths and misconceptions surround eclipses, and it’s crucial to address them with scientific facts. One of the most common myths is that eclipses can cause physical harm to humans, particularly pregnant women and their unborn babies. However, as we’ve established, there is no scientific basis for this claim. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other reputable health organizations have not found any evidence to support the notion that eclipses pose a risk to human health.
In conclusion, while eclipses can be awe-inspiring events, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction and not perpetuate misinformation. By understanding the science behind these celestial occurrences, we can appreciate their beauty and significance without succumbing to baseless fears and misconceptions. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the night sky, it’s essential to rely on credible sources of information and approach these events with a critical and nuanced perspective.