I recently found out that there are people who think the upcoming total solar eclipse will cause some sort of collapse. Technological or societal? Or first one, then the other? I'm not sure, and I haven't gotten a sane answer.*
My first thought was that they were confusing an eclipse with a solar storm or a solar coronal mass ejection. I don't think that's the case anymore.
I now think they heard that some places along the path of totality are declaring states of emergency in anticipation of overwhelming crowds stressing the infrastructure, and mistook this for something else.
I'm planning to be part of those crowds, if I can manage it, and if The Universe doesn't jinx me.
In which case, I'll be as prepared as I always am-- as prepared as I can be under the circumstances. It doesn't thrill me that if something does happen, I'll be away from home. But, I'll not stay a prisoner of my fears or unknowns.
An eclipse can't cause anything other than short-lived darkness. Superstition, fear, and ignorance can cause a lot of trouble, though. And it doesn't take an eclipse to trigger it-- just look at elections!
*If you've heard something I'm missing, please let the rest of us know in the comments.