Be it solar or lunar eclipse, one has to take certain precautions during both in order to not harm their health. Let’s take a look at the precautions to be taken during each of the eclipses:
Lunar eclipse
A lunar eclipse takes place when the shadow of the Earth falls on the Moon and the three celestial bodies – the Sun, Earth, and the Moon – fall in a line and plane. Although this is a purely natural phenomenon, there are several myths associated with it since ancient times in all cultures. The myths are mostly about a lunar eclipse’s negative effects on the human body. With the advancements in science and rational thinking, many such stories have been rejected as mere superstitions.
However, notwithstanding the ancient belief system of associating a lunar eclipse with the prevalence of dark or evil, the physical phenomenon involving the three celestial bodies can probably have some impact on human health.
Tidal effect – This theory suggests that since the Moon causes tides in the oceans due to its gravitational pull, the same effect can be felt in our bodies as well, given that our bodies consist of around 60% water. It also proposes that the impact will be felt a little more if the lunar eclipse coincides with a blue moon (second full moon in a calendar month) and a supermoon (the Moon at a position nearest to the Earth) in the form of fluctuations in blood pressure and pulse rate.
Sleep deprivation – The increased presence of light outside can cause some disturbance in our sleep pattern, which can manifest itself as feeling lethargic and stressed on the following day. Some say that the eclipse can also exacerbate the symptoms in people suffering from mental illnesses.
Impact on pregnant ladies – An American study establishes that the lunar cycle has an impact on human reproduction, in particular fertility, menstruation, and birth rate. There are numerous myths and superstitions that dictate what pregnant women should and should not do. One among them is to stay indoors and not move out during the eclipse.
Contamination of food – According to one reasoning, the physical changes that take place in a gradual manner around us over a period of 28 days in a full lunar cycle, happen within a short duration of 2 – 3 hours. These sudden ‘out of the ordinary’ changes can have an impact on our food in the form of increased growth of bacteria, thereby leading to the deterioration in the quality of food.
Solar eclipse
A solar eclipse is one of nature’s most magnificent spectacles. A majority of the safety rules are concerned with the eyes as they are the most affected during a solar eclipse. By following a few simple rules, you can safely enjoy the view and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.
Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After looking at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter.
Always supervise children using solar filters.
Do not look at the partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.
Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury.
Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. Note that solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics.
