‘Made of gas’: Embarrassing eclipse fail goes viral

A politician has gone viral for a very unusual act during the recent eclipse.

In an eyebrow-raising video, an American politician told a group of high school students that the Moon is a planet and is made up “mostly of gases”.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Texas, was slammed by conservatives on social media over the brain-fade during a speech to students ahead of Monday’s solar eclipse.

Ms Jackson told students at Booker T. Washington High School in Houston that the Moon is a “complete rounded circle, which is made up mostly of gases.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee struggled to wear the glasses. Picture: Supplied

Her inaccurate description continued: “And that’s why, the question is why or how could we as humans live on the Moon. Are the gases such that we could do that?”

She then pivoted to a discussion about the Sun saying: “The Sun is a mighty powerful heat. It is almost impossible to go near the Sun. The Moon is more manageable and you will see... in a couple of years that NASA is going back to the Moon.”

She also claimed the Moon gives off “unique light and energy” and mischaracterised why eclipses occur.

She told students the Moon is “mostly gas”. Picture: Supplied

Footage later showed the representative struggling to wear solar viewers in order to watch the eclipse.

She later tried to clarify by writing: “Obviously I misspoke and meant to say the Sun, but as usual, Republicans are focused on stupid things instead of stuff that really matters. What can I say though, foolish thinkers lust for stupidity!”

She added: “They should be focusing on issues like prenatal care, building more affordable housing, and more reduction of student loan debt as President Joe Biden is.

“Also, I care more about these children who would not have experienced the eclipse in this enthusiastic manner. And, I care more about protecting the rights of women and children than engaging in this kind of senseless dialogue!”

The Moon covered the Sun during a total solar eclipse across North America. Picture: AFP

Ms Jackson Lee, who was once the leader of the House Science Committee’s space subcommittee, was widely mocked for the gaffes on social media.

Conservative radio host Michael Berry sarcastically replied: “Stay strong, Queen. In a world of knaves, numbskulls, & fools, you alone are wise. Lead on, visionary vixen, our nation needs you now more than ever.”

Newsweek senior editor-at-large Josh Hammer added: “Just when I thought this story could not possibly get any better...”

The Moon does not meet the three criteria to be a planet which include: orbit a star, big enough to have a spherical shape, clear away other objects near its orbit.

Scientists believe the Moon was once part of the Earth and was separated when the early Earth collided with another planet about the size of Mars.

The Moon is mostly composed of metals and minerals and has virtually no atmosphere.