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Astronomers discover 6,000-year-old solar eclipse record in ancient Hindu text Rig Veda
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Passages describe sun being “pierced” with darkness, suggesting observation of solar eclipse
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Finding highlights ancient humans’ keen observational skills and fascination with celestial events
Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the ancient Hindu text, Rig Veda, which dates back approximately 6,000 years. The text contains the oldest known reference to a solar eclipse, predating previous records.
The Rig Veda describes the sun being “pierced” with darkness, suggesting an observation of a solar eclipse. By analyzing the passages, astronomers were able to narrow down the potential timeframe to two dates: October 22, 4202 B.C., or October 19, 3811 B.C.
This discovery highlights the enduring human fascination with eclipses and the valuable information ancient texts can provide about historical celestial events. The Rig Veda’s reference serves as a testament to the keen observational skills of our ancestors and their ability to preserve knowledge through generations.
