One of the benefits of jet lag (11 time zones from Russia) is waking up fully refreshed at two in the morning.
Just in time for a total lunar eclipse! I took these photos from my deck (near Palo Alto) this morning from 2:15 am to 4:00 am. Total darkness (bottom middle) came at 2:45. It was a magnificent show.
This celestial display made me happy to be alive.
Heads-up hat tip to Alex von Oech.
If I had not been dealing with the same jet lag, I would have missed this amazing and mysterious sight. Amazing because I had an explanation for it. I knew that the earth was temporarily blocking the light of the sun. When the moon lost the sun's light, I knew the earth would keep spinning and the moon circling and the fullness of the moon would return. It was almost like seeing the waxing and waning of the moon sped up. Metaphorical question: Is my light ever eclipsed by a larger body I revolve around?
The sight was Mysterious when I imagine early humans witnessing the disappearance of the moon's light. What did it mean, that the light was gone? Would it return? Why was this happening? Is this not also a metaphor for times in our lives when the light goes dim? Will the light return? But look, how bright are the stars! I even saw a shooting star as I meditated on the moon this morning, coming back into its fullness.
But still, I do hope to sleep later than 3:30 am tomorrow.
Posted by: Wendy | 28 August 2007 at 07:35 AM
my wife woke me up at about 3:30 (Arizona Time) getting ready for work. I was about to roll over when I remembered the eclipse. So, I got out and took some pics with my Nikon D50 and a good telephoto. I couldn't shoot fast enough to not pick up any movement like you were able to. So, I'm jealous. But it was really fun and I was glad I was able to get up and see it. We got the girls up (6 & 4) to see it, too. I think it was worth it and to see their look of amazement was just icing on the cake.
Posted by: jason | 28 August 2007 at 07:51 AM
Great photos Roger! You're very lucky for having that great view of the eclipse! I got up at 4:00 Mountain Time just to see that it was cloudly, but my patience got at least the prize of 1 minute of video. Now let's wait for the Haley Comet ...
Posted by: Jorge Castillo | 28 August 2007 at 03:43 PM
These are great photos. And yes, I do hope you both get to sleep more tonight!! We were up because Dave was headed out to fish and needed to get up to go... so why not get up at the time of the eclipse. I looked at the half hidden moon/sun and breathed in eternal wondering human questions... and went back to sleep. Only in the morning could I think, wow, wasn't that amazing? Now let's see what great shifts take place in our world...
Posted by: Lisa | 28 August 2007 at 08:06 PM
Wendy: Mysterious indeed. Can you imagine the power that gave to ancient astronomers and priests?
Jason: It was a good experience for young and old.
Jason: I'll gladly wait with you for the next arrival of Halley's Comet (due mid-century).
Lisa: I think my favorite lunar eclipse was in April, 1968. It's interesting that it's easier for me to remember the lunar eclipses as compared to the solar eclipses. There are several reasons for me: 1) they're much, much longer; 2) night is more peaceful and mysterious; 3) they're more frequent; 4) you're less likely to be at work when it takes place; and, 5) no fears of looking straight at the moon.
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 29 August 2007 at 05:46 AM
These are great photos. I was unable to wake up early enough to see it in person, so good thing you were jetlagged!
Posted by: Elliott Ng | 31 August 2007 at 10:35 PM
Elliott: Thanks for stopping by. Fortunately, lunar eclipses are more common than solar ones, so you won't have wait too long for the next one.
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 01 September 2007 at 10:59 AM
Great pics Roger, thanks for sharing them!
Posted by: Mack Collier | 04 September 2007 at 07:27 PM