The idea that a solar eclipse meant a demon was swallowing the sun shows up in eclipse folklore across the globe, and if you look at pictures of a partial solar eclipse, you can see why: It’s easy to imagine that some giant creature is slowly taking bite after bite out of the sun. In ancient China, the earliest word for eclipse, shih, meant to eat, and eclipses were believed to be caused by a dragon eating the sun. In Vietnam, the sun eater was a frog. For the Native American Pomo, it was a bear. In Yugoslavia it was a werewolf, and in Siberia a vampire.

When the dragon ate the sun: how ancient peoples interpreted solar eclipses – Vox

It has been reported during many eclipses that many different animals are startled by totality and change their behavior thinking that twilight has arrived. You can explore this yourself with your own pets, or by watching local wildlife, especially birds.

Do animals really change their behavior during a total solar eclipse? – NASA

The Inca could not predict solar eclipses, and when one occurred, it tended to trouble them greatly. The diviners would attempt to figure out why Inti was displeased, and sacrifices would be offered. The Inca rarely practiced human sacrifice, but an eclipse sometimes was considered cause to do so. The reigning Inca would often fast for days after an eclipse and withdraw from public duties.

All About the Inca Sun God – Thoughtco

“That Pink Floyd had an album with that title meant I spent decades having to undo [that fact] as an educator.” That’s because “there is no dark side of the moon.” “There’s a far side and there’s a near.” “But all sides of the moon receive sunlight across the month.”

Neil deGrasse Tyson: “Because of Pink Floyd, I’ve Spent Decades Undoing the Idea That There’s a Dark Side of the Moon”

Start by making sure that the glasses or viewers you’re considering have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on the product, and are certified as safe. The certification means the glasses and solar viewers have met an international safety standard and are safe for your eyes. Only consider products marked with ISO 12312-2, which means that the product has met the international safety standard.

Planning to watch the eclipse? Read this first – FTC.GOV