{
  "id": 973195,
  "title": "Solar eclipse inspires talk of Pac-man and Shinto myths",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/solar-eclipse-inspires-talk-of-pac-man-and-shinto-myths",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-15T06:08:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Science",
    "slug": "bbc-science",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c33020jgyllo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wednesday evening brought a rare solar eclipse to the South West, captivating onlookers from Sidmouth to Cornwall. The celestial event commenced at around 19:00 BST as the Moon traversed between Earth and the Sun, casting a crescent shadow across the sky. Children in attendance marveled at the sight, describing it as a \"once in a lifetime opportunity.\" Charlie remarked on the \"magical\" atmosphere, while others noted the surreal appearance of the Sun as a \"banana.\"\n\nSome marked birthdays and anniversaries during the eclipse, imbuing the evening with a romantic aura. Alice was particularly struck by the eclipse's resemblance to the video game character Pac-Man. Commander Dave Lee, a member of the Royal Navy's Parachute Display Team, likened the experience to that of parachuting into Pendennis Castle, feeling a profound sense of immediacy and freedom. David Heathfield recounted the myth of Amano-Iwato, the Japanese goddess of the sun who sought refuge in a cave to prevent light from reaching the world.\n\nIn Cornwall, individuals gathered at various sites, including Bude and a stone circle on the moors. Observers remarked on the \"strange\" and \"surreal\" nature of the event, with one person calling it \"very spiritual.\" Mark observed a change in wildlife behavior, noting that birds returned to their roosts as the eclipse unfolded. All in all, the solar eclipse proved a captivating and unforgettable spectacle for those fortunate enough to witness it.",
  "summary": "Thousands turned out to watch the solar eclipse in the South West; here's what they made of it.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Amateur Photographer",
        "title": "The Solar Eclipse as captured by YOU. Checking out these amazing photos from our community is a MUST today!",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/the-solar-eclipse-as-captured-by-you-checking-out-these-amazing",
        "published": "2026-08-14T09:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}