Covering the total solar eclipse

Humanity has advanced significantly in various ways, yet many still marvel at natural phenomena. After all, these are some of the things we cannot control, such as a solar eclipse. 

The most recent example is the total solar eclipse to grace the United States. Americans have booked places to see the Moon block the Sun for a few minutes.

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Filipinos won’t be able to see it in the Philippines. However, this fact did not stop the spread of misinformation regarding this celestial phenomenon. Let’s uncover the mysteries of the total solar eclipse!

What is a total solar eclipse?

NASA explains total solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the glowing orb for a few minutes. 

That will cause temporary darkness, as if it were a sunset or sunrise. Also, people in the path of the celestial event can see the Sun’s corona or its outer atmosphere.

People usually can’t see it because the Sun is simply too bright. However, a total solar eclipse lets people see the spiking beams of light from the Sun. 

The upcoming eclipse will be visible in the United States, causing many Americans to book rental spaces in its path. 

The eclipse will begin in Mexico around 11:07 a.m. PDT, on April 8, 2024. That is roughly 2:07 a.m. on April 9, 2024, in the Philippines.

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico, cross into Texas, before ending in Maine, at 3:35 p.m., EDT.

Total solar eclipse and the Philippines

People in the Philippines cannot view the rare event in the skies.

“However, a total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, dubbed the Great North American Eclipse, but it will not be visible in the Philippines,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

The most practical method is to watch NASA’s online stream on YouTube, its official website, and other platforms. 

The live stream will begin on April 9, 2024, at 1 a.m., Philippine time. More importantly, Pagasa dismisses the rumors that the eclipse will start three days of darkness that will signal the end of the world.

Catholic news website UCatholic says the “Three Days of Darkness” comes from “a number of saints and mystics throughout history.”

Moreover, the unique phenomenon will not cause the Earth to pass through “Photon Belts” that will cause the “Three Days of Darkness.”

“There is no scientific evidence to support its existence, and its origins are unclear. Astronomers have not observed any evidence of a band of high-energy photons surrounding the Milky Way galaxy,” PAG-ASA added.

“It is said that when the Earth passes through this belt, it triggers various transformative effects, both physical and spiritual. However, there is no scientific proof to support this theory.”

“Furthermore, it should be noted that the notion of the Earth’s movement through the Photon Belt producing any substantial transformations to our planet is not substantiated by any known laws of physics.”

“This idea originated within the New Age and metaphysical circles and, as such, lacks scientific evidence and is considered pseudoscientific by the scientific community.”

Initially published on April 8, 2024. Updated on May 10, 2024.