Did you know that scientists believe they have evidence of a total solar eclipse dated as far back as November 30, 3340 B.C.? According to our cable channel, History, “A series of circular and spiral-shaped petroglyphs at the Loughcrew Megalithic Monument in County Meath, Ireland, are believed to correspond to a total solar eclipse visible in the region on that date.”
Since then, documents around the world have recorded findings of a solar eclipse, from the Shu Ching (an ancient Chinese book of documents), to ancient Greek historian, Herodotus. In 585 B.C., Herodotus recorded that the total solar eclipse, “brought about an unexpected ceasefire between two warring nations, the Lydians and the Medes, who had been fighting for control of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) for five years.” Find more about historic eclipses here on the History channel’s website.
Just as these were recorded, the eclipse on August 21, 2017 will go down in history. Please be sure to view the natural phenomenon safely. If you question the authenticity of your solar glasses, check out our blog for a checklist given by NASA.