The Eclipse

[Vekseid]

This was 11:34 AM.



Like every annular and significant partial eclipse, the world noticeably fades and cools beforehand. It gets eerily dark even though one cannot tell the Sun itself has dimmed. The only clue is in the shadows made by dense leaves - the sun's reflection off of water and metal does not appear to change.

Then, in seconds, the day collapses into twilight. The Sun winks out, revoking the last of its warmth. Birds make their final, confused chirps before going silent. The wind changes, and every horizon glows like sunset.

I do not know if there is a word to describe the alien emotion that accompanies this moment. A sense that reality has transformed.

Above the twilight is a sort of not-quite night, illuminated by the ring of white flames surrounding the hole in the sky. The Morning Star proudly shows herself just before noon, alongside the brightest stars from a night half a year removed.

A couple minutes later, the purest, most brilliant point of light shows itself. The wise look away immediately.

The chill brought on by totality lingers for several minutes after, during the eerie darkness that lingers while much of the Sun remains obscured. As if another reminder of what just transpired is needed.

[Oreo]

So beautiful. I am now wishing we had decided to go. The spot you found to watch the eclipse looks beautiful as well.

[Muse]

  You said that brilliantly my friend.  It's exactly the emotions and experiences that took me almost 30 years ago in Baja California when my family went to see the eclipse on an empty stretch of beach.   

  Just before totality, on the brilliant white sand that had taken on the slightest hint of beige from the dimming light, i saw shadow-bands dancing over the land.  It was like the ripples of light at the bottom of a pool or fountain, but reversed. 

  I've had a beautiful time this month, but I really wish i could have seen totality that day. 

[CrownedSun]

That was so beautiful. Thanks for sharing, Veks.

[Vekseid]

So beautiful. I am now wishing we had decided to go. The spot you found to watch the eclipse looks beautiful as well.

Am not planning on missing the one in 2024 and you shouldn't either! : )

[midnightblack]

You made me think back to my own journey in 1999, when I was too young to properly appreciate the magic of the event. But at least it was a nice family time, one of the few that I can remember. 

Oh well, guess who's going to Iceland in 2026. 

[Candlelight]

This is so nice  I didn't watch the eclipse - I was concerned for my dog, so I kept him occupied inside so he didn't feel the need to go to the backyard (the eclipse was over our backyard for a few hours, so...) I can remember a solar eclipse from when I was much younger, though, so I just needed to sit back and remember that one. This post makes me wish I'd paid attention for myself, though...

[Amaris]

Very beautifully said! Totally encompassed how I felt in that moment. So hard to describe but you did it perfectly. Thank you :)

[Ket]

Am not planning on missing the one in 2024 and you shouldn't either! : )

I'm directly in the path of totality for 2024, come visit!