This Moment in Science History for 05-19-2025 Podcast Por arte de portada

This Moment in Science History for 05-19-2025

This Moment in Science History for 05-19-2025

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 On May 19, 1780, a remarkable darkness descended upon New England and parts of Canada, an event that would come to be known as "New England's Dark Day." The eerie phenomenon began around 10 a.m. and lasted until the following midnight.

Contemporary accounts describe the darkness as so intense that candles were required from noon onward, and the night was as dark as a cellar. Birds sang their evening songs, disappeared, and became silent; fowls went to roost; and cocks crowed as at daybreak. The darkness was so thick that people claimed they could not see their hand in front of their face.

Many people believed the world was ending, and there were reports of people flocking to churches to confess their sins and prepare for judgment day. Some even thought it might be a sign of a coming war or a punishment from God.

The cause of this mysterious darkness remained unexplained for many years. However, scientists now believe that it was likely caused by a combination of smoke from massive wildfires, a thick fog, and cloud cover. The wildfires were probably started by farmers who were clearing land in the spring, a common practice in New England at the time.

New England's Dark Day remains a fascinating example of how a natural phenomenon can have a profound impact on society and how our understanding of such events has evolved with scientific knowledge over time. It also serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature and the importance of seeking scientific explanations for the world around us.
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