Maldives won't witness total solar eclipse on Mon
Even today, sometimes pregnant women are warned to stay inside, not eat and not carry sharp objects.
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By
Azhaar Abdul Azeez
The sky darkens, day turns to twilight, and the stars peek out for a fleeting moment. This isn't science fiction; it's a total solar eclipse, a celestial spectacle happening tomorrow, April 8th, 2024. But for skywatchers in the Maldives, the view will be a little different. Here's why.
The total eclipse will be visible across a narrow path stretching from parts of the United States, Canada, and down to Mexico. The moon will completely obscure the sun, plunging these regions into an eerie twilight for a few precious minutes. Unfortunately, the Maldives won't be directly under this path of totality.
However, that doesn't mean we miss out entirely! We still might witness a partial eclipse. The sun will appear partially covered by the moon, like a giant cosmic bite has been taken out of it.
Why the Maldives Misses Out? - A Matter of Alignment
Eclipses occur when one celestial body casts a shadow on another. In a solar eclipse, the moon's shadow falls on Earth. But the Earth is a sphere, and the moon's shadow is cone-shaped. Totality, the complete darkness, only occurs within a narrow band along the centre of this cone.
The Maldives, while geographically close to the equator, isn't directly in the path of the moon's shadow this time. So, while we might see a partial eclipse, the full show-stopping darkness won't be visible.
Beyond Totality: Facts and Conspiracies
This eclipse has captured the imagination of skywatchers and conspiracy theorists alike. Here are some interesting facts for Monday:
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This is the first total solar eclipse visible in the United States since 2017; states of emergency have been declared for some parts of the US
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The path of totality is quite narrow – in some places, it will only be a few miles wide!
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Animals often react strangely during eclipses, with birds returning to their roosts and insects becoming less active
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The abrupt blocking of the sun's radiation also causes changes to the ions in the upper atmosphere, which in turn affects how the radio and satellite waves can pass through. Any blips in service should disappear after the eclipse passes
During ancient times, the eclipse was an event that would generate fear. From heralding natural disasters or even the end of the world, to causing harm to unborn babies, eclipses have been used throughout history to instil fear among mankind. Even today, sometimes pregnant women are warned to stay inside, not eat and not carry sharp objects.
Right here in the Maldives, the hyper, naughty kids in some households used to be beaten, out under the eclipse's darkness. They believed the energies expended and absorbed can reform the child, beliefs deeply rooted from our mystic culture.
While some believe eclipses herald major events, there's no scientific basis for these claims. Eclipses are purely astronomical phenomena.
People now know better. Nowadays, the only health warning associated with the eclipse in most cases is to protect our eyes. Looking at the sun without proper protection or even improper protection can lead to permanent retina damage and even blindness that cannot be repaired. Sun filters on our phone cameras and polaroids will do if eclipse glasses are not available.
The Maldives might not be in the path of totality this time, but the opportunity to witness a celestial dance and learn about the wonders of our solar system is an experience in itself!
