Think about it: If you’re in NYS and miss tomorrow’s solar eclipse, you won’t get another chance until 2079! Tomorrow, the moon will come between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sunlight partially or completely, creating different shades of darkness.
From ancient civilizations to modern times, solar eclipses have captivated human imagination and sparked various psychological responses, from fear to awe.
While in Mesopotamia, eclipses were seen as threats to the king’s reign, prompting people to perform rituals of protection, in ancient China was believed that a celestial dragon devoured the sun, prompting people to gather and bang on drums to scare the dragon away. Similarly, in Norse mythology, the Vikings of Northern Europe believed that during a total solar eclipse, the sun was being eaten by two wolves, Skoll and Hati.
Such narratives provided explanations and helped people alleviate their fear surrounding eclipses. Today, thanks to advancements in science and technology, our understanding of solar eclipses has greatly improved. However, the psychological fascination remains, with millions of people flocking to witness total solar eclipses, for the emotional experience they offer.
From a sense of wonder and connection to the universe – a humbling reminder of our place in the universe, to a sense of community and shared experience. Whether joining a group expedition to a remote location or simply gathering with friends and family in the backyard, witnessing an eclipse can transcend individual boundaries and become a collective event, strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of belonging.
The awe-inspiring beauty of the event encourages us to contemplate our place in the universe and reflect on the bigger questions of existence. For some, it serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the need to cherish each moment. As researcher Jennifer Stellar noted, “Our ego guides our perceptions and decision making, but when you feel a self-transcendent emotion like awe, it diminishes the power that it has over you.”
What do you think? Are you going to encounter fear or awe? Will you feel isolated or part of a collective experience? Don’t forget, King Louis the Pious died of fright after witnessing a total solar eclipse, 1,200 years ago. But also, according to Herodotus, the solar eclipse of 584 BC, stopped a war.
Researchers from Baylor University, Waco, Texas, will be collecting data on individuals’ experiences before, during and after the total solar eclipse having a first-hand opportunity to study the effects that people might feel as they witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you’re in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, you can participate in the brief online study and share your reactions, here.