For thousands of years, solar eclipses have been associated with the fate of rulers
Phys.org
February 21, 2026
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An annular solar eclipse occurred on February 17 when the moon passed between the sun and Earth, creating a fiery ring around the sun. This phenomenon, visible only from parts of the southern hemisphere, highlights the unique alignment of celestial bodies and the beauty of such rare events. Unlike total eclipses, an annular eclipse leaves a luminous ring because the moon is too far from Earth to fully obscure the sun. This event reminds us of the profound impact astronomical occurrences have had on human culture and science throughout history.
For centuries, solar eclipses have been linked to significant historical events and cultural narratives. Many ancient civilizations viewed them as omens or signs of cosmic change, often tied to the fate of rulers and nations. This eclipse continues a long tradition of celestial phenomena capturing humanity's attention, blending scientific curiosity with
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/21/2026