Why People Become Highly Emotional During a Total Solar Eclipse

Have you ever witnessed a Total Solar Eclipse (TSE)? If so, you might have noticed the emotional reactions of those around you. From tears to screams, the total eclipse seems to draw out a wide array of expressions, especially in contrast to other types of eclipses. But why do people become so emotional during a total solar eclipse, and not during lunar or annular ones?

Simplified Explanation

The simplest answer might be that 'look at me! I’m going to act crazy and be the center of attention.' In moments like these, people often forget about their usual inhibitions and let their emotions run wild.

Understanding the Total Solar Eclipse

A scientist might argue that a total solar eclipse is merely a naturally phenomenon, albeit a spectacular one. However, it is difficult to argue against the awe and wonder it evokes in human beings. A TSE is the only time when you can visually experience the universe in its rawest form, temporarily unregulated by our usual perceptual filters.

During a TSE, the sun is obscured by the moon, the planets become visible, and the brighter stars come out. This is a unique moment where the Earth's surface cools, and the light dimming is readily observable. It is as close to a miracle as you can get, as you are witnessing the universe in a way that is not typically possible.

Personal Experiences

During my witnessing of TSEs, I have never seen screaming or crying. Instead, I have heard many people utter "Wow!" in awe of the spectacle. Such moments of extreme awe are normal, and they showcase the profound impact that a TSE can have on individuals.

Compared to a TSE, other types of eclipses, such as lunar and annular, do not evoke such deep emotional responses. The difference lies in the rarity and the magnitude of a TSE, which stands out as a rare cosmic event in our lifetimes.

The Irrelevant Use of Screaming

Screaming at natural phenomena that are not presenting a real risk is, in my opinion, a desperate herd behavior. It is a form of attention-seeking that plays on our basic instincts for survival. In today's society, this misuse of screaming has been conflated with social superpowers, often associated with narcissistic behaviors.

For example, during an airshow, when a jet crashed, the crowd screamed, but one woman kept screaming incessantly. When I told her to stop because the accident was the main event that required everyone's attention, she finally quieted down. This incident highlights the individual's misuse of screaming as a means to hijack social attention.

The normalization of lack of emotional control has become a prevalent issue, often manifesting in what some call the "offense culture." This culture often uses emotional manipulation as a way to control others, both individually and as a society.

Conclusion

While emotions during a TSE are perfectly normal and even expected, it is important to question and understand the context in which such reactions occur. Are these emotions genuine and related to the breathtaking nature of the event, or are they responses driven by social behaviors and modern societal issues?

In conclusion, a total solar eclipse is a moment of sublime beauty and rare experience. Let us value the awe it brings without letting our emotional responses be hijacked by socially programmed behaviors.