There have been many major superstitious events that have been “predicted” over the years by a variety of sources. Many of which have enough evidence to be considered at least partially probable. However, there have also been equally as many instances of false fortunes spread through the targeting of the public eye’s collective fear or awe.

The most recent of these conspiracies floating around the corners of the internet is that of the supposed bad omen of the upcoming April 8, 2024 eclipse. Many believe that the total eclipse will bring disaster as it did hundreds of years ago. The theory goes that the combination of both the moon blocking the sun and the “Devil’s Comet” being visible is a sign that the Rapture is coming. This cosmic event supposedly aligns with many ancient biblical prophecies and verses, written about the end times.

The path of the comet has also led many to have suspicions about what the spiritual significance of the eclipse may mean as the path of this eclipse aligns with the 2017 total solar eclipse in a way that resembles the last letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. As well as this, the upcoming eclipse is supposed to pass through many biblically named towns and cities in the states of Indiana and Ohio.

Caption: This is the path of the eclipse occuring on April 8, 2024. The highest points of visibility will be toward the Midwest and East Coast Regions of the U.S. and the south-western parts of Mexico.

Some people have taken it amongst themselves to share their preparation strategies on different social media platforms and many videos that have been posted talk about preparing alternative forms of communication as there are rumors of the eclipse shutting down electrical epicenters and causing mass black-outs in the cities the moon will pass over.

“The combination of the eclipse, the comet, and the electrical disruptions alone are not necessarily indicative of the rapture. But seeing those events in conjunction with the wars in the Middle East involving Israel definitely adds to the prophecies of Christ’s Second Coming that are written in The Bible.” – Skye Sanchez, Santa Rosa Academy Student

What is also fueling these discussions are the presence of the National Guard gathering nearby in the towns the eclipse is supposed to be passed over. This presence has had some conspiracy theorists to believe that the U.S. government is preparing for a major fight of some kind. Though, this particular part of the conspiracy is not as prevalent.

However, there have been no official warnings from any governmental organizations so far so there shouldn’t be many reasons to worry unless these conspiracy theories can be considered believable. As well as this, the path of total solar eclipses are predetermined based off of where the moon is located in its elliptical orbit. This is the scientific explanation as to why there are different eclipse paths. This specific pattern may have just been a coincidence and inevitable.

“I do think it’s very interesting how those things line up, however, it’s impossible to predict when the rapture will happen. Though, it’s definitely a good reminder to spread the Gospel more.” -Kadence Bernard, Santa Rosa Academy Student.

Whether or not the conspiracy is real, it is interesting to see the effort to connect the coming eclipse and comet to religion. Be sure to have eclipse glasses on hand, and enjoy the sights.