Debunking 3 myths about the solar eclipse
As people across Europe waited for the August 12 solar eclipse, misinformation was spreading on social media and messaging apps. Here's what's true and what's not.
Much of Europe is waiting with bated breath for a glimpse at a once-in-a-generation phenomenon: a solar eclipse that is set to reach totality in parts of Spain and Iceland.
For other Europeans, it will still be the most significant solar eclipse since 1999. More than 90% of the sun will be covered by the moon for viewers across much of the continent. Maps and other resources on how the eclipse will look in your area are readily available online.
Celestial phenomena frequently spark scientific questions and ignite false claims and conspiracy theories, and this time is no different. Our members debunked some of the most widespread topics being discussed on social media.
VerificaRTVE: Earth will not lose gravity for 7 seconds and other myths about the solar eclipse of August 12
3Cat: The eclipse will not alter Earth’s gravity or cause telecommunications problems
TV5 Monde: Solar eclipse of August 12, 2026: no, Earth’s gravity will not disappear
BBC: Three ways to watch the solar eclipse safely without glasses
Myth #1: The eclipse will cause 7 seconds of zero gravity
According to a viral claim, Earth will lose gravity for seven seconds during the eclipse. Some of the claims linked to a fake NASA project. However, NASA confirmed the claims are untrue. Gravity depends on a planet’s mass, and has nothing to do with shadows that pass over it.
A related claim said that the sun-moon alignment will pull people “upward” and make them weigh less. This one is also false, since the Earth’s mass does not change during an eclipse. A solar eclipse is just the moon’s shadow as it passes between the Earth and the sun; it has no effect on Earth’s gravitational pull, although it can have an effect on tides, like any full or new moon.
Myth #2: You can't trust any eclipse glasses and other eyewear topics
An audio clip circulating online in Spain claimed that ophthalmologists don't trust any eclipse glasses. This is not true. Glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard with CE marking are safe, as long as they're undamaged and not scratched. Meanwhile, advice is circulating online about using sunglasses or other eyewear that is not approved for direct solar viewing — experts are warning people to avoid this and only look directly at the eclipse with approved eye protection. Those lucky enough to be in the path of totality will be able to take their eyewear off when the sun is 100% covered, but these need to go back on during any other phase of the eclipse.
Six models of eclipse viewing glasses were recalled in Spain, but it was not because they let in too much light. Rather, they were so dark that there was a risk people would try to remove them to find the sun, heightening the chances of eye damage. The experts say that if you can’t see the eclipse through your glasses, you should keep them on and avoid looking at the sun. There are a number of safe ways to experience the solar eclipse without glasses, like making a pinhole projector or using a colander to see the shadow of the moon over the sun.
Myth #3: You can film the eclipse on your phone without taking any precautions
Many people will try to film the eclipse on their smartphone, but there is a risk that the direct sunlight could fry the camera’s sensor at any partial stage of the eclipse. Astrophotographers and those using zoom lenses will need to use a solar filter that has the same level of protection as eclipse glasses.
A smartphone’s camera does not have comparable zoom features and has a relatively tiny sensor, and opinions are split about whether a quick photo could do permanent damage. Longer exposures to sunlight, like a timelapse or a long-exposure photograph, could result in black spots on the sensor — and in every photo and video that camera captures in future. To be safe, a solar filter, or even taping the eclipse glasses over the lens, is advised.
Professionals with all of the necessary equipment will also be working to live stream the event, which will be well covered on news channels and on digital platforms.