Much of Europe is waiting with bated breath for a glimpse at a once-in-a-generation phenomenon: a solar eclipse that is set to reach totality in parts of Spain and Iceland.
For other Europeans, it will still be the most significant solar eclipse since 1999. More than 90% of the sun will be covered by the moon for viewers across much of the continent. Maps and other resources on how the eclipse will look in your area are readily available online.
Celestial phenomena frequently spark scientific questions and ignite false claims and conspiracy theories, and this time is no different. Our members debunked some of the most widespread topics being discussed on social media.
VerificaRTVE: Earth will not lose gravity for 7 seconds and other myths about the solar eclipse of August 12
3Cat: The eclipse will not alter Earth’s gravity or cause telecommunications problems
BBC: Three ways to watch the solar eclipse safely without glasses
According to a viral claim, Earth will lose gravity for seven seconds during the eclipse. Some of the claims linked to a fake NASA project. However, NASA confirmed the claims are untrue. Gravity depends on a planet’s mass, and has nothing to do with shadows that pass over it.
A related claim said that the sun-moon alignment will pull people “upward” and make them weigh less. This one is also false, since the Earth’s mass does not change during an eclipse. A solar eclipse is just the moon’s shadow as it passes between the Earth and the sun; it has no...
Much of Europe is waiting with bated breath for a glimpse at a once-in-a-generation phenomenon: a solar eclipse that is set to reach totality in parts of Spain and Iceland. For other Europeans, it...