in early June 1954, a large group of Moscow scientists arrived in the city of Zhdanov, from where one could see the total eclipse of the Sun. Located near the city, astronomers began to prepare for observations. In print and on the radio in those days it was explained that the solar eclipse would occur because the Moon would cover the Sun for several minutes. The shadow cast by the Moon will run across the surface of the Earth without consequences dangerous for humanity. The local population was preparing with interest to observe a rare phenomenon of nature. However, shortly before June 30, when a solar eclipse was to occur, the sectarians spread the rumor that the end of the world would come on the day of the "darkening of the Sun..."