BLOG: Solar Eclipse 2024’s Biggest Conspiracy Theories & Best Viewing Locations
As the Earth prepares for its next grand spectacle—the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024—so too does the imagination of the internet. The rumor mill has been spinning faster than a black hole, churning out conspiracy theories about the celestial show that range from sleeping giants to technological Armageddon and more, confirming the great solar eclipse of 2024 is already a blockbuster event before it’s even premiered.
Eclipses, which occur when the moon travels between the Earth and the sun—throwing shade in the most literal sense— have been recorded for eons, and never cease draw attention and speculation. So shield your eyes and shine up your tin foil hat — here are the 5 biggest conspiracy theories and the top 5 viewing locations for the solar event of the year!
The Grand Tour of 2024's Solar Eclipse Conspiracy Theories
1) Path of Nineveh: Some claim the eclipse's path of totality will pass over eight towns named Nineveh, drawing a nebulous connection to the biblical town of the same name. The Ninevehs facing the impending darkness are located in Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New York. A location named Nineveh in Nova Scotia will also find itself in the path of the April 8th eclipse. The Nineveh theory is part of a larger narrative suggesting the eclipse's path holds significant, and possibly apocalyptic, meaning of biblical proportions.
2) Eclipse Crossover to Wake Sleeping Giants: There's speculation about the 2017 and 2024 eclipse paths crossing over one town, with some suggesting this could awaken giants in a nearby national park. The intersection of these two paths is unprecedented, and suggests a deeper significance buried in the event — and in the ground. Allegedly dormant giants, buried long ago under mounds in the St. Louis area, will be revived by the unique cosmic energy of the solar eclipse. In 2017, the total solar eclipse followed a line southeast from Oregon to South Carolina. This year’s eclipse will forge a northeast path from Texas to Maine. The two eclipse paths will cross each other near St. Louis, and possibly rouse a couple of sleeping giants when they do.
3) Doomsday Preps and Tech Meltdowns: There is some speculation that the 2024 eclipse will give birth to Y2K's baby cousin cousin Eclipse-gate, in which our gadgets will give up and die in despair. Proponents of this theory argue that the eclipse's direct interference with solar energy, combined with potential gravitational and electromagnetic effects, could disrupt satellites, cellular networks, and the electricity grid. A technological meltdown of such magnitude would undoubtably lead to the collapse of power grids and communication systems along the path of totality as people scramble to post their solar eclipse selfies to Instagram en masse, bringing about mayhem and destruction as civilization grinds to a catastrophic halt.
4) Military and Emergency Preparations: The theory regarding the deployment of the National Guard during the solar eclipse suggests that authorities anticipate widespread chaos or significant events that necessitate military presence. Advocates of this theory propose that the government might be preparing for potential natural disasters, societal unrest, or other unforeseen emergencies triggered by the eclipse, viewing it as a catalyst for major disruptions. Some even believe this to be a pretext for enacting martial law or for controlling population movements under the guise of safety measures. A state of emergency has already been declared in Indiana, Texas, and New York as the states prepare to be inundated with eclipse tourists. With rumors of the National Guard rolling out the welcome mat for the eclipse and communities stocking up like it's a snow day, it's clear the 2024 eclipse has become the social event of the season.
5) NASA’s Sun Rockets: During the April 8 solar eclipse, NASA plans to launch three sounding rockets at the sun, and some believe the project to be part of a covert operation. The sun rocket theory suggests that the eclipse provides a unique opportunity for NASA to conduct experiments or initiate projects aimed at studying, influencing, or altering the sun's natural processes. The objectives speculated upon range widely, from controlling Earth's climate by interacting with the sun, to more ambitious goals like creating portals or modifying solar behavior for unknown purposes. With all eyes on the sky and __, the sun is NASA’s oyster.
6) CERN’s Portal to the Unknown: Last but certainly not least, some conspiracy theorists suspect that CERN will be preparing to open up a portal on April 8, as it plans to test its famous Large Hadron Collider and smash some atoms during the historic sky show. Proponents of this theory suggest that the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth during the eclipse could create unique conditions that, when combined with the high-energy particle collisions conducted at CERN, might accidentally (or intentionally) create a wide open bridge to other realms or dimensions. Although CERN’s location in Switzerland is far outside the path of the North American eclipse, the rare celestial alignment has added yet another theory to the plethora of conspiracies that surround the mysterious CERN.
Best Seats in the House for the April 8 Show
If you're eager to witness the extraordinary event in person (and witness some conspiracy theories possible come true), the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse will stretch from Texas to Maine, and parts of Mexico and Canada. Based on their position along the path of totality, eclipse duration, and favorable weather, here are some prime locations for amateur stargazers, seasoned eclipse chasers, and vigilant conspiracy theorists to have an unforgettable viewing experience:
Map image from NASA.
Mazatlán, Mexico - Be the first to see the eclipse in this coastal city, with totality lasting 4 minutes and 20 seconds. It's a favored spot for both the local and international astronomical community.
Llano, Texas, USA - Situated in the heart of the eclipse path, Llano offers up to 4 minutes and 24 seconds of totality. It's close to the maximum duration point of the eclipse, with clear sky probabilities being favorable.
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA - As the eclipse speeds its way through North America, Indianapolis offers 3 minutes and 51 seconds of totality. The city is prepared for large crowds at famous locations like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Cleveland, Ohio, USA - On the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland provides 3 minutes and 50 seconds of totality. The city is near the center line, away from big city crowds, offering a potentially clear view of the eclipse.
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - A spectacular place to view the eclipse, with 3 minutes and 31 seconds of totality. Viewing the eclipse with the backdrop of Niagara Falls promises a unique experience.
Niagara Falls, New York, USA - Offers a picturesque view with 3 minutes and 31 seconds of totality. The outlook from Terrapin Point over the falls is one of the best perspectives
Remember, wherever you choose to watch, protect your eyes—a solar eclipse is a terrible time to practice your staring contest skills. Happy sun gazing!
Looking for more celestial conspiracies? Check out our blog 5 Enduring Conspiracies About the Moon!
