How solar eclipse affects human health?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking all or a portion of the Sun’s light. This phenomenon has intrigued humanity for centuries, often associated with various beliefs, myths, and superstitions. While there is scientific understanding of the astronomical event, some cultural and traditional beliefs link solar eclipses to potential health effects, particularly in the field of astrology.
The upcoming solar eclipse in 2023 is again going to be quite an exciting celestial event! It’s scheduled to start around 11:29 PM and will conclude at 11:37 PM, in Indian Standard Time. This particular eclipse will be more visible in various parts of the US, South America and some parts of Antarctica.
For those enthusiastic about witnessing this event, whether you’re in a place where the eclipse is visible or planning to catch it online, there are many authentic sources available over the internet, including NASA portal.
The eclipse will showcase a transition from annular to total, and then back to annular, offering a spectacular celestial display. People in Australia, East and South Asia, the Pacific Ocean, Antarctica and the Americas will have a front-row seat to this amazing phenomenon.

However, in India, neither the total nor the partial effects of the eclipse will be visible.

Effects of Solar Eclipse on Health

Solar eclipse or Surya Grahan is regarded by Indians and astrologers with great religious significance. Indians also follow a bunch of customs on the day of the Solar eclipse. Not venturing out during the Grahan, not preparing food and eating during the Grahan, in fact, pregnant women are advised to not even see the eclipse, even with eye protectors. The eclipse is said to have numerous effects on the health of individuals. Some are facts and others based on pure myths. Some of the effects are –
Impact on Circadian Rhythms
Solar eclipses can disrupt the usual daylight patterns, affecting the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythms. The sudden change in light can confuse the body’s natural processes, potentially leading to sleep disturbances and alterations in hormonal levels.
Psychological Impact
Eclipses, historically seen as ominous events, can cause psychological stress and anxiety in certain individuals due to cultural beliefs or superstitions associated with them. Some people might experience fear, apprehension, or unease during a solar eclipse.
Eye Health and Vision
Directly viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause severe damage to the eyes. The intense sunlight during an eclipse can harm the retina, leading to conditions like solar retinopathy or other visual impairments.
Effect on Pregnant Women
In some cultures, it is believed that solar eclipses can adversely affect pregnant women and their unborn children. Folklore suggests that pregnant women should not go outside during an eclipse to avoid potential harm to the developing fetus.
Astrology views solar eclipses as powerful cosmic events influencing human behavior, life events, and overall destiny. Eclipses are considered significant turning points, encouraging self-reflection and transformation. Astrologers believe that eclipses can bring about major life shifts, offering opportunities for growth and change.
NASA debunks several myths
NASA, the leading authority on space and celestial events, offers a purely scientific explanation for solar eclipses. According to NASA, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon, in its orbit around Earth, passes directly in front of the Sun, blocking its light. NASA provides detailed information about upcoming eclipses, safety precautions, and the astronomical mechanics behind these phenomena.

Regarding a lot of myths regarding pregnant women and food habits to be observed during the Surya Grahan, NASA says, “Related to the false idea of harmful solar rays is that during a total solar eclipse, some kind of radiation is produced that will harm your food. If that were the case, the same radiations would harm the food in your pantry, or crops in the field. The basic idea is that total solar eclipses are terrifying and their ghostly green coronae look frightening, so it is natural to want to make up fearful stories about them and look for coincidences among events around you. If someone is accidentally food-poisoned with potato salad during an eclipse, some might argue that the event was related to the eclipse itself even though hundreds of other people at the same location were not at all affected.”
Further, with respect to being harmful for pregnant women, NASA mentions, “This is related to the previous false idea that harmful radiations are emitted during a total solar eclipse. Although the electromagnetic radiation from the corona, seen as light, is perfectly safe, there is another form of radiation that travels to Earth from the sun. Deep in the solar interior where nuclear fusion takes place to light the sun, particles called neutrinos are born, and zip unimpeded out of the sun and into space. They also pass through the solid body of the moon during the eclipse and a second or so later reach Earth and pass through it too! Every second, your body is pelted by trillions of these neutrinos no matter if the sun is above or below the horizon. The only consequence is that every few minutes a few atoms in your body are transmuted into a different isotope by absorbing a neutrino. This is an entirely harmless effect and would not harm you, or if you are pregnant, the developing fetus.”
Actual health risks identified
NASA and health organizations worldwide emphasize the importance of eye safety during solar eclipses. Looking directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. NASA recommends using certified solar viewing glasses to protect the eyes during the eclipse, ensuring safe viewing and preventing potential harm.

NASA mentions on their website – Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
Staring directly at the radiant Sun through the lenses of a camera, binoculars, or telescope without employing a specially designed solar filter securely fitted at the front of the optics can lead to swift and severe damage to your eyes. It’s imperative to exercise caution and prioritize safety when observing the Sun to avoid irreversible harm to your vision.
Further, it is important to ensure that the specs you use are ‘ISO 12312-2’ certified. And then safely observe the eclipse without proper eye protection when the Moon fully covers the Sun’s surface, which occurs briefly and dramatically during what is called totality. It’s safe to view without protection when you can no longer perceive any portion of the Sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.