Today’s eclipsed sun spared Indian viewers the sight of its complete devouring by the moon. However, I’m sure that did not stop many eclipse enthusiasts from running to their terraces to witness the first total eclipse since 1995, even though it was only a partial eclipse here.
Late this afternoon, on receiving a phone-call from my astronomically aligned ally, I ran to the terrace, which I hadn’t visited since January, armed with my UV-protecting sunglasses and an old X-ray film of my mother’s skull. It was an amazing experience, feeling the wind on my face as I sat on the ledge supporting the water tank and watched the two heavenly bodies vying with each other for attention in the sky. Kaz and I spoke to each other over the phone, giving each other updates on our unique viewing angles and how the clouds were trying to play spoilsport.
What I saw, when the clouds were not making an attempt to outdo the moon in trying to block the sun from view, was simply beautiful! I have no other word for it! It felt good. I’ve always felt more connected with the world around me when looking at the sky, and to watch this celestial landmark in time take place before my eyes, with a favourite friend’s voice for company was truly lovely!
My memories of my first total solar eclipse are restricted to only a few images ingrained in memory along with the feeling of anticipation and excitement that accompanied them. I am adding today’s to that album of mine with the hope that I will witness many more. Sitting there on the terrace by myself brought me mixed feelings though. Almost all the residents of my building were present the last time. It’s funny how the span of a few years changes things quite so much.
Well, seeing how I’ve been taking pictures almost at the drop of a hat these days, I did manage to take some shots of the sky and sun. Here they are:
Late this afternoon, on receiving a phone-call from my astronomically aligned ally, I ran to the terrace, which I hadn’t visited since January, armed with my UV-protecting sunglasses and an old X-ray film of my mother’s skull. It was an amazing experience, feeling the wind on my face as I sat on the ledge supporting the water tank and watched the two heavenly bodies vying with each other for attention in the sky. Kaz and I spoke to each other over the phone, giving each other updates on our unique viewing angles and how the clouds were trying to play spoilsport.
What I saw, when the clouds were not making an attempt to outdo the moon in trying to block the sun from view, was simply beautiful! I have no other word for it! It felt good. I’ve always felt more connected with the world around me when looking at the sky, and to watch this celestial landmark in time take place before my eyes, with a favourite friend’s voice for company was truly lovely!
My memories of my first total solar eclipse are restricted to only a few images ingrained in memory along with the feeling of anticipation and excitement that accompanied them. I am adding today’s to that album of mine with the hope that I will witness many more. Sitting there on the terrace by myself brought me mixed feelings though. Almost all the residents of my building were present the last time. It’s funny how the span of a few years changes things quite so much.
Well, seeing how I’ve been taking pictures almost at the drop of a hat these days, I did manage to take some shots of the sky and sun. Here they are:
This picture was taken from the study window, just when I was told that the eclipse could be seen.
A view of the amassing clouds, which were most unobliging for a while.
The sun was completely hidden by then, for the clouds had covered most of the sky.
The eclipse. This blurry thing was taken using my very simple digicam and the X-ray film. So it is hardly a good picture. I am hoping that Kaz has better pictures. Oh well... I am not complaining.
To the heavens, now and forever!
To the heavens, now and forever!
5 comments:
heehee
'We are star stuff'
Rock on!
i remember my first time...i was told that we are not supposed to eat during an eclipse and i ate an apple just to prove them wrong...
p.s"nice pics
And to think of it, I saw nothing. It just passed me by.
Bleh.
I need an elaborate, essay-type post on this. Thing is, I'm too darn lethargic.
I have pictures!
Events like this are to be cherished and you seem to have made the most of it! Thanks for the pics!
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