Ancient Mysteries
A flash of lightning,a loud clap of thunder,the earth moving underneath our feet...These natural phenomena might be frightening,but we feel safer knowing the science behind them.In ancient times,however,such natural phenomena were believed to be the work of magnificent beasts and supernatural beings.
Native Americans used to believe that earthquakes were caused by a struggle between a large bird,called the Thunderbird,and a whale.An ancient Japanese belief was that earthquakes were caused by the movements of a giant catfish that carried the world on its back.Scientists now know that earthquakes are actually caused by the movement of tectonic plates,which are very large areas of Earth's outer crust.
In many cultures,there were ancient beliefs that solar eclipses were caused by a creature eating the Sun.In Vietnam,that creature was a giant frog,in Norway,a wolf,and in China, it was a huge dog.The ancient Chinese would bang on drums to scare away this ferocious creature.In fact,solar eclipses happen when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun's light.
In Medieval Europe,people thought that supernatural forces caused thunder and lightning It was a sign of bad times ahead.Modern science tells us that lightning is an electric charge moving between clouds,or between clouds and the earth.Thunder is a shock wave of sound caused by lightning.
And finally,we've all heard tales of water appearing in the desert ahead of thirsty travellers.They race towards it,only to find the water has disappeared.In Ancient China, people believed that this was actually caused by the breath of a dragon.These days,all schoolchildren learn that a"mirage"happens when layers of air with varying temperatures cause light to bend.Some of these students will grow up to be the scientists of tomorrow, exploring our natural world,and solving more of its mysteries.
Translation to be continued~