5 Famous Eclipses in Film and TV

Apocalypto Eclipse

Across the US, experienced astronomers and amateur stargazers alike have been gearing up for today’s solar eclipse. Dubbed “The Great American Eclipse,” this will be the first time in 26 years that the country has experienced a total solar eclipse, in which the moon completely blocks out the sun. Anyone in the path of “totality” will experience a brief period of complete darkness in the middle of the day.

A number of films and TV shows have taken advantage of the powerful symbolism that an eclipse carries. In honor of today’s event, here’s a list of five of the most famous eclipses in film and television.

 

1. Heroes

Heroes Eclipse
Source: YouTube

A total solar eclipse is the central image associated with this NBC supernatural drama. An eclipse in the first episode grants superpowers to the show’s titular heroes. Eclipse imagery can be spotted throughout the show, and a second eclipse later removes the heroes’ powers temporarily.

 

2. Ghostbusters 2

At the climax of Ghostbusters 2, the film’s trademark purple slime feeds off of the negative emotions of the residents of New York City, affecting the weather. Perhaps not a standard eclipse, but a memorable one – an eclipse of slime blots out the sun, only dissipating when the Ghostbusters defeat evil spirit Vigo.

 

3. The Simpsons

The Simpsons has featured eclipses on two occasions. In the classic 1993 episode Marge vs. the Monorail, written by Conan O’Brien, an eclipse halts a runaway solar-powered train. In the 2009 emmy-nominated episode Gone Maggie Gone, Marge gives her camera obscura (a pinhole camera designed to safely view an eclipse) to Homer after he breaks his. She sneaks a peek and goes temporarily blind. Without Marge’s supervision (pun intended), baby Maggie goes missing.

 

4. Apocalypto

In Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto, protagonist Jaguar Paw is about to be sacrificed by the superstitious Mayans. An eclipse blots out the sun, terrifying the onlookers and saving Jaguar Paw from death, as the Mayan King and Queen take it as a sign that the gods’ bloodthirst has been sated.

 

5. Mad Men

Mad Men Eclipse

The episode Seven Twenty Three takes place during the real-life eclipse of 1963. While his children construct pinhole cameras from cardboard boxes, Don Draper is busy putting the moves on their teacher. Throwing eclipse-viewing safety to the wind, Don looks directly at the obscured sun, though he never suffers any consequences.

These eclipses each act as important symbols or narrative devices. Another thing they have in common – everyone looks right at them. This may serve the purposes of the story, but please don’t take these as examples of smart decisions. Your eyes are not protected by the same layers of impenetrable cool as Don Draper’s. No matter what TV and movies tell you, even a brief glimpse at an eclipse without proper eye protection will permanently damage your vision.

If you’ve purchased eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, double check that they meet safety standards and come from the approved list of vendors. Amazon was forced to recall a number of glasses last week after being unable to confirm that they were safe for viewing the eclipse. If you haven’t already purchased eclipse glasses, never fear! You too can see the eclipse with a number of DIY solutions.

Now that I’ve sufficiently mothered you, go out and enjoy the eclipse! It’s certain to be one of the more wondrous natural phenomena you’ll have the chance to experience. And if you’re stuck at work, don’t let fomo (fear of missing out) get you down. The US will experience another total solar eclipse in 2024. Start planning now!

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