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Solar Eclipse -Superstition vs. Science

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  • Solar Eclipse -Superstition vs. Science

    Solar eclipse pits superstition against science

    MUMBAI (AFP) – Indian astrologers are predicting violence and turmoil across the world as a result of this week's total solar eclipse, which the superstitious and religious view as a sign of potential doom.

    But astronomers, scientists and secularists are trying to play down claims of evil portent in connection with Wednesday's natural spectacle, when the moon will come between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun.

    In Hindu mythology, the two demons Rahu and Ketu are said to "swallow" the sun during eclipses, snuffing out its life-giving light and causing food to become inedible and water undrinkable.

    Pregnant women are advised to stay indoors to prevent their babies developing birth defects, while prayers, fasting and ritual bathing, particularly in holy rivers, are encouraged.

    Shivani Sachdev Gour, a gynaecologist at the Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, said a number of expectant mothers scheduled for caesarian deliveries on July 22 had asked to change the date.

    "This is a belief deeply rooted in Indian society. Couples are willing to do anything to ensure that the baby is not born on that day," Gour said.

    Astrologers have predicted a rise in communal and regional violence in the days following the eclipse, particularly in India, China and other Southeast Asian nations where it can be seen on Wednesday morning.

    Mumbai astrologer Raj Kumar Sharma predicted "some sort of attack by (Kashmiri separatists) Jaish-e-Mohammad or Al-Qaeda on Indian soil" and a devastating natural disaster in Southeast Asia.

    An Indian political leader could be killed, he said, and tension between the West and Iran is likely to increase, escalating into possible US military action after September 9, when fiery Saturn moves from Leo into Virgo.

    "The last 200 years, whenever Saturn has gone into Virgo there has been either a world war or a mini world war," he told AFP.

    It is not just in India that some are uneasy about what will transpire because of the eclipse.

    In ancient China they were often associated with disasters, the death of an emperor or other dark events, and similar superstitions persist.


    "The probability for unrest or war to take place in years when a solar eclipse happens is 95 percent," announced an article that attracted a lot of hits on the popular Chinese web portal Baidu.com.

    Sanal Edamaruku, president of the Indian Rationalist Association, dismissed such doomsday predictions.

    "Primarily, what we see with all these soothsayers and astrologers is that they're looking for opportunities to enhance their business with predictions of danger and calamity," he told AFP.

    "They have been very powerful in India but over the last decade they have been in systematic decline."


    Astronomers and scientists are also working to educate the public about the eclipse.

    Travel firm Cox and Kings has chartered a Boeing 737-700 aircraft to give people the chance to see the eclipse from 41,000 feet (12,500 metres).

    Experts will be on board to explain it to passengers, some of whom have paid 79,000 rupees (1,600 dollars) for a "sun-side" seat on the three-hour flight from New Delhi.

    The eclipse's shadow is expected to pass over the aircraft at 15 times the speed of sound (Mach 15), said Ajay Talwar, president of the SPACE Group of companies that promotes science and astronomy.

    "It's coming in the middle of the monsoon season. On the ground, there's a 40 percent chance of seeing it in India. On the aircraft you have almost a 90 percent chance of seeing the eclipse," he added.

    Siva Prasad Tata, who runs the Astro Jyoti website, straddles the two worlds.

    "There's no need to get too alarmed about the eclipse, they are a natural phenomenon," the astrologer told AFP.

    But he added: "During the period of the eclipse, the opposite attracting forces are very, very powerful. From a spiritual point of view, this is a wonderful time to do any type of worship.

    "It will bring about good results, much more than on an ordinary day."

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090720...smsuperstition
    Last edited by KanadaHye; 07-21-2009, 08:40 AM.
    "Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it." ~Malcolm X

  • #2
    Re: Solar Eclipse -Superstition vs. Science

    An Indian political leader could be killed, he said, and tension between the West and Iran is likely to increase, escalating into possible US military action after September 9, when fiery Saturn moves from Leo into Virgo.

    "The last 200 years, whenever Saturn has gone into Virgo there has been either a world war or a mini world war," he told AFP.

    It is not just in India that some are uneasy about what will transpire because of the eclipse.

    In ancient China they were often associated with disasters, the death of an emperor or other dark events, and similar superstitions persist.
    Not another Nostradamus! I am going to faint. It's so easy to deceive people, come on...this is so vague. Of course a political leader could be killed...there has been one killed every few years. Also 'I believe a great war will happen' is like saying I believe the kettle will boil. As for star signs its all bull, the calendar isn't even set right; watched a doco on that. Classic.

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    • #3
      Re: Solar Eclipse -Superstition vs. Science

      Hmmm, so if India gets scared, does that affect all of us?

      Also, maybe it could be a self fulfilling prophecy. 1. Solar eclipse, 2. people scared and expectant of some social disaster, 3. delivered as promised by some xxxxxxx who wants to take advantage of peoples' superstitions :P

      Other than this, I respect the fact that Indians are taking this as an opportunity to engage in prayer and reflection on their sins, it is a personal act to do so, and that's never a bad thing.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Solar Eclipse -Superstition vs. Science

        Lets say there is a prediction that there will be shortage of bread during solar eclipse.
        Everyone goes and buys bread to stock up.
        Bam there is a shortage because everyone is buying.

        Prediction was true. As jgk3 said: "self fulfilling".
        this post = teh win.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Solar Eclipse -Superstition vs. Science

          Originally posted by Sip View Post
          Lets say there is a prediction that there will be shortage of bread during solar eclipse.
          Everyone goes and buys bread to stock up.
          Bam there is a shortage because everyone is buying.

          Prediction was true. As jgk3 said: "self fulfilling".
          This sounds like the Y2K scare doesn't it? Or when they say fuel prices are going to go up and everyone runs to get fuel as if getting cheap fuel for another week is going to get you ahead in life. Everyone panics, runs out to get fuel and wow... there is a shortage and line ups to gas stations for miles. I call this fear for profit. The stock market thrives on fear and greed.

          Either way, I think it's pretty amazing that the the Sun's distance from the Earth is about 400 times the Moon's distance, and the Sun's diameter is about 400 times the Moon's diameter. So during that period of time, the moon entirely blocks out the sun in the middle of the day. Now what are the chances of that?




          A statue of Houyi, a Chinese legendary hero who shot down nine suns with his bow and arrow, is silhouetted against a partial solar eclipse in Changzhi, China


          A total solar eclipse is seen in Varanasi, India


          The sky going dark over Shanghai as the lunar shadow or "umbra" moves over the city...



          ...and then during it, where millions of people were plunged into temporary darkness


          The moon passes between the sun and the earth during a solar eclipse as seen in Changsha, Hunan province, China
          Last edited by KanadaHye; 07-23-2009, 02:15 PM.
          "Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it." ~Malcolm X

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