Startalk Radio – The Most Famous Eclipse in History with Joe Rao

Intro

In this episode of Startalk Radio, host Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Joe Rao, a meteorologist and associate at the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. They discuss the most famous eclipse in history and its impact on our understanding of space and time. Joe Rao, who has witnessed more eclipses than anyone else on earth, shares his experiences and insights into these celestial events.

Main Takeaways

The Science of Eclipses

• Solar eclipses happen every couple of years and are not as rare as people think.
• The general theory of relativity, published in 1915, allowed us to think about space and time in the presence of accelerations and strong fields of gravity.
• Einstein’s general theory of relativity predicted that light passing by the sun would be bent due to the curvature of space and time.
• Sir Arthur Eddington tested this theory during a solar eclipse in 1919 and found that the positions of stars had shifted, confirming Einstein’s theory.
• Eclipses provide unique opportunities for scientific study and discovery.

The Most Famous Eclipse in History

• The 1919 eclipse is the most famous eclipse in physics due to its background physics and the confirmation of Eddington’s theory.
• During a total solar eclipse, astronomers searched for the planet Vulcan, which was believed to be affecting Mercury’s orbit, but it was never found.
• Eddington also suggested that heavy elements may be formed in the centers of stars, which was later confirmed with the development of quantum physics in the 1920s.

The Experience of Witnessing an Eclipse

• When you see your first total eclipse, you become addicted and want to see more.
• The sky gradually darkens during the final 30 seconds before totality, with planets and brighter stars becoming visible.
• During totality, the sky appears saffron-colored around the horizon and navy blue above your head.
• Shadow bands, flickering light and dark waves, can be seen just before and after totality due to the sun’s narrow sliver of light being distorted by the atmosphere.
• Total solar eclipses have been observed to affect wildlife behavior.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Eclipses

• Ancient civilizations interpreted eclipses through stories, legends, and myths.
• A total eclipse of the sun in 585 AD stopped a battle and led to a truce between warring factions in the Middle East.
• China kept excellent records of celestial events, providing some of the best historical records of the night sky.

Summary

The Science of Eclipses

Solar eclipses are more common than people think, occurring every couple of years. The general theory of relativity, formulated by Einstein in 1915, revolutionized our understanding of space and time. It predicted that light passing by the sun would be bent due to the curvature of space and time. This prediction was confirmed during the 1919 eclipse when Sir Arthur Eddington observed that the positions of stars had shifted. Eclipses provide scientists with unique opportunities to study and discover new phenomena in the universe.

The Most Famous Eclipse in History

The 1919 eclipse holds great significance in the field of physics. Astronomers searched for the planet Vulcan, which was believed to be affecting Mercury’s orbit, during the eclipse but it was never found. However, this eclipse confirmed Eddington’s theory about the curvature of space and time. Eddington also suggested that heavy elements may be formed in the centers of stars, a theory later confirmed by the development of quantum physics.

The Experience of Witnessing an Eclipse

Witnessing a total eclipse is a truly captivating experience. Many people become addicted to chasing eclipses after seeing their first one. The gradual darkening of the sky before totality, the saffron-colored horizon, and the navy blue sky above create a surreal atmosphere. Shadow bands, flickering light and dark waves, add to the spectacle. Total solar eclipses have been observed to affect wildlife behavior, providing researchers with valuable insights.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Eclipses

Eclipses have fascinated and influenced cultures throughout history. Ancient civilizations interpreted eclipses through stories and myths. In 585 AD, a total eclipse stopped a battle and resulted in a truce between warring factions in the Middle East. China’s meticulous records of celestial events provide valuable historical insights into the night sky.

Conclusion

Eclipses are not only awe-inspiring celestial events but also significant in advancing our understanding of the universe. From confirming Einstein’s theory of relativity to providing unique opportunities for scientific study, eclipses continue to captivate and inspire. Whether you’re a seasoned eclipse chaser or a curious observer, witnessing a total solar eclipse is an experience like no other.