Ciencia
Can eclipses be predicted? Who was the first person to predict a solar eclipse?
Eclipses can be predicted because the movements of the Sun, the Earth and the Moon follow very regular and predictable patterns. The Moon’s orbit around the Earth and the Earth’s orbit around the Sun are fairly stable and follow well-known laws of physics. This makes it possible to calculate exactly when the Moon, the Earth and the Sun will align in such a way that an eclipse occurs.
It is said that the Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus was the first to predict a total solar eclipse. According to tradition, he predicted the eclipse of 28 May 585 BC. Although this may be a legend, the historian Herodotus recounts that this eclipse occurred during a battle and led the combatants to make peace, as they interpreted it as a divine sign.
It is said that the Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus was the first to predict a total solar eclipse. According to tradition, he predicted the eclipse of 28 May 585 BC. Although this may be a legend, the historian Herodotus recounts that this eclipse occurred during a battle and led the combatants to make peace, as they interpreted it as a divine sign.