Sævar Helgi Bragason says grilling is safe during total eclipse

Sævar Helgi Bragason says it is safe to grill during Wednesday’s total solar eclipse, dismissing several myths surrounding the event, mbl.is reports. He also says earthquakes are not more likely during an eclipse and that pets do not need eclipse glasses.

Bragason, widely known as “Star-Sævar”, said he had heard claims that dangerous rays would make grilling unsafe while the eclipse was taking place.

“On a normal, clear day, the sun is more dangerous than it is on this particular day,” he said, explaining that less light reaches Earth as the Moon moves in front of the Sun, causing temperatures to fall.

During totality, he said, the Sun itself cannot be seen. Instead, observers see the glow around it, known as the solar corona.

Bragason also rejected the idea that eclipses make earthquakes more likely. He said there can even be greater calm on seismometers in places where the eclipse passes, as people stop driving, working and operating heavy machinery to watch the event.

Bragason has experienced four total solar eclipses. The total eclipse will not occur in Iceland again for 170 years.