Beware the Real Eclipse

April 8th marks a rare astronomical event, a total solar eclipse.  The path of totality will first make landfall on the Pacific coast of Mexico at 18:07 UTC (1:07 PM local time) near Sinaloa.

The path of totality will leave the Earth's surface at 20:16 UTC (4:16 PM Atlantic Daylight Time) in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 500 miles (800 kilometers) southeast of Newfoundland, Canada.

The total duration of the path of totality from beginning to end will be about 2 hours and 9 minutes. And, at any given location along the path, the total solar eclipse will last for a maximum of 4 minutes and 28 seconds, with the duration decreasing as you move away from the center of the path.

The path of totality will have traversed a distance across the Earth’s surface of approximately 3,200 miles. 

Today, we know that the eclipse, while it substantially blocks the sun’s light, does no harm to the Earth or its inhabitants. That was not always the case. Throughout history, many civilizations have associated solar eclipses with bad omens, often interpreting them as signs of impending doom, divine displeasure, or significant changes in the world. 

So, you can look up without any worry — but only if you are wearing protective eclipse glasses — and appreciate the wonder of the moon passing in front of the sun and how it changes the natural light surrounding you. 

But this might also be a good opportunity to reflect on the more sinister shadows falling across the Earth at the same time.

You see, each of us carries an inner divine light, the spark of creation, basic goodness, or whatever you wish to call it.

And each of us is responsible to protect that light within us, not to allow anyone or anything to block or dim our own divine light. There are forces, dark forces, that want to do just that — to snuff out our light or block it or weaken it — because the truth is that our collective divine light as human beings is our best protection against all the darkness that can really do massive harm to each of us and to our Earth 

Transcript

April 8th marks a rare astronomical event, a total solar eclipse.  The path of totality will first make landfall on the Pacific coast of Mexico at 18:07 UTC (1:07 PM local time) near Sinaloa.

The path of totality will leave the Earth's surface at 20:16 UTC (4:16 PM Atlantic Daylight Time) in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 500 miles (800 kilometers) southeast of Newfoundland, Canada.

The total duration of the path of totality from beginning to end will be about 2 hours and 9 minutes. And, at any given location along the path, the total solar eclipse will last for a maximum of 4 minutes and 28 seconds, with the duration decreasing as you move away from the center of the path.

The path of totality will have traversed a distance across the Earth’s surface of approximately 3,200 miles. I’m Joe Kornowski.

Two hours is not a long time to be in a deep solar shadow, and 3200 miles is not a very long distance by today’s travel standards. 

Today, we know that the eclipse, while it substantially blocks the sun’s light, does no harm to the Earth or its inhabitants. That was not always the case.

Throughout history, many civilizations have associated solar eclipses with bad omens, often interpreting them as signs of impending doom, divine displeasure, or significant changes in the world. 

In Ancient Mesopotamia: Babylonians believed that solar eclipses were attacks on their king by evil gods. They thought that a king could be replaced by a temporary king during the eclipse to avoid the bad omen.

In ancient Chinese culture, solar eclipses were believed to occur when a celestial dragon devoured the Sun. People would bang drums and pots to scare the dragon away.

Ancient Greeks believed that solar eclipses were signs of the gods' anger and that they could foretell the beginning of disasters and destruction, such as wars and famines.

The Aztecs and Mayans believed that solar eclipses were a time when demons or gods could attack the Sun. And they performed sacrificial rituals to appease the gods and prevent the world from ending.

In Norse legends, wolves named Sköll and Hati were said to chase the Sun and Moon. When they caught either one, an eclipse would occur, which was considered a bad omen.

In Hindu culture, eclipses are often associated with the demon Rahu, who swallows the Sun or Moon, causing the eclipse. Eclipses are considered inauspicious events.

In Islamic history, solar eclipses were sometimes seen as a sign of Allah's power and a reminder of the Day of Judgment.

Despite many cultures having viewed solar eclipses as bad omens, the ancient Egyptians held a more positive view, believing that solar eclipses were a time of rejuvenation and renewal for the Sun god Ra.

So, you can look up without any worry — but only if you are wearing protective eclipse glasses — and appreciate the wonder of the moon passing in front of the sun and how it changes the natural light surrounding you. 

But this might also be a good opportunity to reflect on the more sinister shadows falling across the Earth at the same time.

The Earth currently is beseiged with the darkness of two active wars — each involves a nation state that possesses nuclear weapons. One of those nation states has threatened to use them.

Our country currently finds itself besieged by the dark shadows of social and political aggression, threats and hate. AI looms as a potential shadow of misinformation and misappropriation of truth. 

Yet, to put it in perspective, the outside world can almost always feel threatening in any number of ways — “wars and rumors of wars,” as the Bible says.

And if you’ve listened to past episodes here, you already know that these are not the greatest threats we face. No, not by a long shot.

You see, each of us carries an inner divine light, the spark of creation, basic goodness, or whatever you wish to call it.

And each of us is responsible to protect that light within us, not to allow anyone or anything to block or dim our own divine light. There are forces, dark forces, that want to do just that — to snuff out our light or block it or weaken it — because the truth is that our collective divine light as human beings is our best protection against all the darkness that can really do massive harm to each of us and to our Earth.

So, whether or not you have a chance to see a rare total solar eclipse, keep a weather eye on the bright beacon within you that can show the way through any darkness.