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Which animal has witnessed the highest number of total solar eclipses?
In a recent paper published on April 1st, researcher Mark Popinchalk delved into the intriguing question of which animal has witnessed the most solar eclipses. Surprisingly, it was discovered that humans are not at the top of the list. According to Popinchalk’s research, horseshoe crabs have observed a staggering 138 trillion solar eclipses as a species. This number far surpasses the number of eclipses experienced by humans, and it will take us approximately 10 million years to catch up to the horseshoe crabs!
On Monday, the world will have the opportunity to witness another total solar eclipse in various parts of the globe. This celestial event occurs when the Moon aligns perfectly between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking sunlight from reaching certain areas of the Earth. During a total solar eclipse, the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon, creating a mesmerizing sight for those lucky enough to witness it. As millions of people prepare to watch the eclipse unfold, it’s worth noting that eclipses have been occurring for billions of years, long before humans inhabited the Earth.
While eclipses are not unique to humans, the question of whether animals are aware of and observe these celestial phenomena remains a topic of debate. Over the years, there have been anecdotal reports of animals exhibiting unusual behavior during solar eclipses, with some species displaying signs of confusion or anxiety. Recent studies have shown that animals in zoos have reacted differently during total solar eclipses, further adding to the mystery of how they perceive these events.
Researchers like Hartstone-Rose have observed animals such as Galapagos turtles turning their gaze toward the sky during an eclipse, prompting speculation about their level of awareness. While we may never fully understand how animals interpret eclipses, the fact remains that these events have been occurring long before humans were around to witness them.
In his conclusion, Popinchalk reveals that horseshoe crabs, with an estimated population of 120 million, have collectively witnessed 130 trillion total solar eclipses. In comparison, humans, with a much smaller estimated population, have experienced a fraction of that number. The research provides a fascinating perspective on the natural world and the longevity of eclipses in the history of our planet.
For more information, you can read the full paper titled “Species Syzygy: Which Animal Has Seen the Most Total Solar Eclipses?”
News
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Protesters reach an agreement to dismantle encampment
Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to end their pro-Palestinian encampment following an agreement reached with the school, university officials announced on Sunday. The encampment, which had been in place for two weeks, will be dismantled by Tuesday, marking the end of what was believed to be the last standing encampment at a Wisconsin college.
University officials had allowed the encampment to remain on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary, opting not to involve law enforcement. This approach differed from the response at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to remove tents after negotiations fell through. Despite initial efforts to disband the encampment, Wisconsin-Madison eventually reached an agreement with protesters to voluntarily dismantle the camp prior to commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated last Wednesday that the university had exhibited “the widest possible amount of patience and restraint.” However, he also cautioned that patience was wearing thin and hinted at potential action by the school. Following discussions with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition, the university agreed to advocate for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, condemn the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and hold meetings with protest leaders regarding university investments.
Additionally, the university pledged to urge the Water Council, a Milwaukee organization of water technology companies, to sever connections with two Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Chancellor Mone serves as the treasurer on the Water Council’s board of directors.
In return for these commitments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment beginning on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also agreed not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, the protesters expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “After hard fought edits and careful consideration by the coalition, we determined we had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment.”
The resolution of the encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents a successful outcome of negotiations between university officials and protesters. By reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties, a peaceful resolution has been achieved, allowing for the encampment to be taken down without incident.