Watch an Eclipse With Homer | Big Think

TL;DR

An astronomer successfully dates an eclipse mentioned in the Odyssey, providing potential confirmation of the fall of Troy.

Transcript

back at the beginning of the century an astronomer named K Shaw decided to try to date a passage in the odys that has been interpreted by many since classical times has been a description of an eclipse it's a little bit of a difficult passage to try to interpret as an eclipse because the passage takes place in doors and the suitors who are supposed... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍂 The dating of the eclipse provides potential confirmation of the fall of Troy as described in the Odyssey.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Multiple references to celestial events in the Odyssey support the date of April 16, 1178 BC.
• ❓ A total solar eclipse described in the Odyssey aligns with the characteristics of the 1178 BC eclipse.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did K Shaw attempt to date the eclipse mentioned in the Odyssey?

K Shaw analyzed the passage describing the eclipse and calculated that the only possible date would have been April 16, 1178 BC.

Q: Why is the date of the eclipse significant?

The date aligns well with the estimated timeframe of the fall of Troy, adding potential credibility to the historical events described in the Odyssey.

Q: What other celestial references in the Odyssey support the date of April 16, 1178 BC?

The Odyssey includes references to Odus navigating by the stars and seeing Venus high in the sky, which, when combined with other references, point to the same date.

Q: What details about the eclipse described in the Odyssey confirm its authenticity?

The description matches the characteristics of a total solar eclipse, including a short duration and occurring at noon. The 1178 BC eclipse occurred near noon over the Ionian Island.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• An astronomer named K Shaw attempted to date a passage in the Odyssey described as an eclipse, finding a possible date of April 16, 1178 BC.

• The dating of the eclipse aligns well with the estimated fall of Troy.

• Other references in the Odyssey to celestial events further support the date of April 16, 1178 BC.