![\\"News](\\"/images/nlp-logo.svg\\"/)The News Literacy Project![\\"RumorGuard](\\"/images/rumorguard-logo.svg\\"/)RumorGuard homepage * RecentChecks * TheFactors * TheTopics * TakeAction Open search bar * Recent Checks * The Factors * The Topics * Take Action ## Share Share this content via emailShare a link to this contentShare this content via TwitterShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin Share this content via emailCopy the link to this contentShare this content via emailShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin 03.15.2024 Open share options Share this content via emailShare a link to this contentShare this content via TwitterShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin ![\\"A](\\"/_next/image?url= #SolarEclipse #FalseContext #Apocalypse #ConspiratorialThinking ![\\"A](\\"/_next/image?url= #SolarEclipse #FalseContext #Apocalypse #ConspiratorialThinking 03.15.2024 Open share options Share this content via emailShare a link to this contentShare this content via TwitterShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin # Solar eclipse prompts spate of end-times rumors A viral TikTok post purports to provide proof that the April 8 solar eclipse is a harbinger of end-times — or end of humanity — but it is based on a falsehood about the actual path of the event. Let’s look at the facts. ## Quick Look * No The path of a total solar eclipse on April 8 will not pass through eight places named Nineveh. * Yes Just two such places named Nineveh— Nineveh, Indiana, and Nineveh, Ohio — will experience the total solar eclipse, which obscures the sun. * Yes Nineveh is a city named in the Bible and is frequently referenced in conspiratorial claims about the apocalypse. ## The Takeaway Searching for coincidences is a surefire way to find them. And when the facts don’t fit perfectly, conspiracy theorists sometimes simply invent their own. Conspiratorial thinking often involves false connections that may seem “mind- blowing,” as expressed in the video, but those connections quickly fall apart upon further scrutiny, like the claim about a total eclipse passing through eight places named Nineveh. Conspiracy theories flourish when they touch on topics not everyone fully understands, and people can be more susceptible to embracing false explanations. Taking time to learn about a subject through credible sources reduces the chances of falling for conspiracy theories. As April 8 approaches, expect to see more conspiratorial rumors. Grifters, conspiracy theorists and purveyors of disinformation frequently target events that draw widespread attention, especially when those events are rare or seem connected to ancient history. Editor\'s note: The word \"cities\" was changed to \"places\" to better describe the listed locations. # The 5 Factors We’ve determined that this viral rumor is misleading or false based on its failure to pass the following credibility factors. Please note that these factors do not represent degrees of falsehood. A post that fails a single factor is generally just as false as a post that fails all five. ### Snapshot * Source * Evidence * Context * Reasoning * Authenticity Source ## Has it been posted or confirmed by a credible source? No. No, this claim originated with an ordinary TikTok account, not an authoritative or standards-based source. Learn how to check sources Evidence ## Is there evidence that proves the claim? No. No, the evidence shows that the path of totality does not cover eight cities named Nineveh in the U.S. and that one of the cities is actually in Canada. Learn how to check evidence Context ## Is the context accurate? No. This claim was presented without proper context. Only two such cities named Nineveh are in the eclipse path, and nearly every city in the United States (excluding some in Alaska) will have at least a partial view. Learn about context Reasoning ## Is it based on solid reasoning? No. Conspiratorial claims about the apocalypse are common, but there’s no evidence or logical reason to expect the arrival of the end of times. Learn how to check reasoning Authenticity ## Is it authentic? N/A # The Techniques Source Share this content via emailShare a link to this contentShare this content via TwitterShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin ![](\\"/images/icons/link-button.svg\\"/) Link Website ## Is it legit? Five steps for vetting a news source Evidence Share this content via emailShare a link to this contentShare this content via TwitterShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin ![](\\"/images/icons/link-button.svg\\"/) Lesson Lesson ## Making Sense of Data Context Share this content via emailShare a link to this contentShare this content via TwitterShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin ![](\\"/images/icons/link-button.svg\\"/) Lesson Lesson ## Conspiratorial Thinking Reasoning Share this content via emailShare a link to this contentShare this content via TwitterShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin ![](\\"/images/icons/link-button.svg\\"/) Link Website ## News Lit Quiz: Avoid the trap of conspiratorial thinking ## Featured Fact checks “Fact Check: The April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse Will NOT Pass Over 8 North American Towns Named Nineveh” Sarah Thompson, Lead Stories Previous rumor Next rumor * Our process * About * Privacy Policy * | * Contact Us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Flipboard Tik tok Instagram Youtube Threads
That the path of a total solar eclipse on April 8 will pass through eight cities named Nineveh