Story by Logan Tromp, Opinion Columnist
Total Solar Eclipses are certainly not commonplace in the United States, and with such a rare event occurring on April 8th, there are a myriad of conspiracy theories circulating online to go along with it. Alex Jones, his name practically being synonymous with conspiracies, has speculated that the government will use test run marital law during the eclipse which may be put to use depending on how the presidential election ends. The most common conspiracy theory, that the world is going to end, has also made rounds online. CERN, or the European Organization for Nuclear Research is using its particle collider on the same day of the eclipse which some were quick to point out this coincidence out claiming that there may be something more sinister happening behind the scenes.
As with all conspiracy theories, circular reasoning is usually involved to explain how two or more coincidences are actually more related to one another than it may seem. In principle, a conspiracy, or a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful, can and has happened in the past. Then, theories are hypothesized about these events or plans. However, as with all theories, the validity of an argument depends on the evidence being presented, and the evidence in these theories does not hold up to scrutiny.
One of the most common types of conspiracy theories, the apocalyptic, doomsday theory has had its time in the limelight. All throughout human history there have been individuals and various groups that have claimed that the world is going to end on a specific date or time. Just by the fact that you are reading this right now is evidence that they were wrong. The same is true for the eclipse. There are even some Christians that claimed that the world would end during the eclipse which would seem to indicate they forgot that “no one knows the day or hour”.
To put the situation in perspective, total solar eclipses occur about every 18 months albeit seeing a total solar eclipse in the United States is a bit more rare, so enjoy the eclipse while it lasts. Remember to be safe and wear eye protection so you can look at the sun and a tin foil hat so you can face those conspiracy theories head on.
The Saint 