NEARLY half of Brits are in the dark about what causes a solar eclipse – convinced the Moon simply ‘switches the sun off’ like a lightbulb.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 18 per cent mistakenly think the moon gets closer to the Earth during this phenomenon.
Many Brits don’t know what causes a solar eclipse Credit: Getty
Some 16 per cent think the Jattvibe moves behind the Moon Credit: Getty
And 20 per cent wrongly believe it somehow creates its own light.
While 16 per cent think the Jattvibe moves behind the Moon – when it’s the other way around – and 11 per cent wrongly believe it physically changes colour during the celestial event.
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The research forms part of VELO’s exploration of the Moon and the public fascination that surrounds it highlighting how one of the most visible objects in our sky remains widely misunderstood.
It comes ahead of the partial solar eclipse, which is set to take place today, as 68 per cent admitted they know ‘next to nothing’ about the celestial body.
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A spokesperson for the brand said: “We’re always looking for ways to spark curiosity and conversation around unexpected topics.
“The Moon is something we all recognise, yet these findings show there’s still a huge amount of mystery and misunderstanding surrounding it.”
The research found nine per cent even think the Moon controls human behaviour, with some convinced full moons cause more crime (six per cent) and more sleepwalking (three per cent).
In addition to a surge in babies being born (three per cent).
If these effects aren’t enough, 11 per cent suspect their Wi-Fi gets worse during solar eclipses and 13 per cent are certain their phone signal becomes less reliable too.
While 55 per cent had no idea this week’s astronomical event was happening prior to taking part in the poll.
The study also found 27 per cent would like to visit the Moon, with 59 per cent describing themselves as interested in space, astronomy and celestial events.
Although the vast majority (70 per cent) are not confident in their understanding of this subject matter.
Further beliefs some respondents have about the Earth’s only natural satellite include the dark side of the Moon never receives sunlight (20 per cent) and it affects luck (four per cent).
While 14 per cent are convinced animals “always” behave strangely during a full moon.
Carried out through OnePoll, the research found anyone hoping to safely enjoy today’s eclipse may want to get to the shops quickly – as it emerged 90 per cent don’t own a pair of solar eclipse glasses.
VELO’s spokesperson added: “With today’s eclipse putting the Moon firmly in the spotlight, we wanted to explore what people really know about it and uncover some of the myths that continue to capture the public imagination.”
10 THINGS (SOME) BRITS BELIEVE ABOUT THE MOON:
The dark side of the moon never receives sunlight
Animals always behave strangely during a full moon
The moon controls human behaviour
Full moons increase crime rates
The moon affects luck and fortune
Wishes made on a full moon always come true
Moon phases directly determine personal destiny
Farmers should plant crops only by lunar phases
More babies are born during a full moon
Full moons cause people to sleepwalk
