Like the Hopi Indians, Hindu Indians believe the eclipse is a time of meditation. So usually, I just sit in a dark room. But we were in the path of near totality (96%) and this could be my only chance in this lifetime unless I chase one down through travel (unlikely). So I decided to get solar eclipse-safe glasses and peek out.
I'm glad I did; it was pretty cool. Through the glasses, the eclipse progressed as though a set of illustrations in a science textbook. But when I tried to take pictures, it looked like a normal picture of the sun.
I felt tense in the moments before the eclipse started... Big A was in a meeting with students and residents, Nu was in school, At was at work... I would see them all later in the day, but it was weird being the only human in the house knowing an event of cosmic significance was taking place. I sat with all the drapes shut in the rumpus room so Max and Huck wouldn't accidentally sear their retinas. L and some other GFs were texting to share our experience. Nu came home just before peak totality (around 3:00 pm) and (superciliously 😛) helped me understand why my phone camera wasn't picking up the eclipse.
On social media people have been raving about how it was a transformative experience for them; I must admit I was underwhelmed. Since I'm transported by even fairly low-key natural phenomena like new grass or birdsong in the city or a regular sunrise, I was really expecting the eclipse to unlock something in me... but nothing happened. So that's my eclipse story: 4/8/2024; I was there.
Pic: The sun is about a quarter of the way through the eclipse here. (Not what I thought my eclipse picture would look like.)
7 comments:
We were not in the path of totality and even if we were, yesterday was so overcast that I didn't even see the sun! But I do remember seeing an eclipse, I feel like it was 2018, in Calgary. It was really cool but I can't say it was transformative in any way for me.
We were in the path of totality in NEO/Cleveland, and it was a true phenomenon. I felt very privileged to be able to sit on my back patio with a glass of good wine and watch the whole thing from start to finish. When totality occurred, I truly felt a sense of Natural Wonder--the beauty of the primeval. It did get very dark, but before then, I was amazed at how sharp the shadows were, even when there was still very little of the sun showing. Nature is truly awe inspiring, but that is not news to me.
"Since I'm transported by even fairly low-key natural phenomena like new grass or birdsong in the city or a regular sunrise, I was really expecting the eclipse to unlock something in me... but nothing happened. " I LOVE THIS REFLECTION!
I love the creepy light and the eeriness of dark daytime-- I also think the phrase path of totality is delightfully scary.
Good for you.
We were further away than you, I think, so I didn't think it was worth getting the glasses and then I wished we had. The kids and I stood with our backs to the sun and watched the shadows through a colander, which made a bunch of tiny crescent-shaped shadows on the sidewalk. Kind of cool. It only got a little darker outside, though the quality of light was different. Beth's in Wheeling, closer to totality, but not in it. She and her mom got the glasses.
Yeah, the eclipse itself was underwhelming, to be honest. But I loved the communal aspect of it, so I think that's what you were missing! If you had a science nerd around you, it was a million times more thrilling.
Nicole--it was really cool, agree :).
Nance--What a great experience--I think I would have enjoyed that too.
Sarah--I hadn't thought that about "path of totality" but now I can't stop thinking about it...
Gillian--thanks!
Steph--I wish I'd prepared a bit better for the day too.
Engie--Exactly! I think being around people would have made this more special for me!
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