Photo of the Day 9/18
by Sean on Sep.19, 2009, under China, Photos
Wuhan Total Eclipse 2009
Disclaimer: Sorry my photo is blurry, but it’s the best one I have.
The day everyone has been waiting for: a total solar eclipse. I can’t remember the last time I saw one, if ever. I just so happen to be living in an area of the world where it’s possible to see the complete solar eclipse from the balcony of my apartment, and I’m so grateful for the chance. My girlfriend and I wake around 5am for the event, having planned to meet her friend by the river. By the time we get outside, we realize there are over a hundred people in the garden of our building, and this spot will trump the spot by the river.
Most of the people here have been gearing up for the eclipse by buying 2rmb special glasses, which honestly do a MUCH better job than my $150 glasses from the States. A random Chinese woman approaches me and offers to let me use her glasses for a moment to see the difference. I realize I can use these glasses as a lens for my camera. It’s from then on I begin placing the lens behind these glasses, my sunglasses, and even my girlfriend’s glasses to form different colors and shades to make good pictures.
At some times it feels like we’re waiting forever, and others it seems like only second’s have past and the moon is covering the sun ever quickly. After an hour outside, the sun is finally being covered by the moon, and producing amazing shades of a variety of colors I couldn’t even begin to say (as I’m partially colorblind, I can’t recognize the colors, only appreciate them). Finally! The sun is gone, and we’re plunged into darkness. Then, the worst thing ever happens. The lights in the buildings around us are turned on, removing us from our brief encounter with the Dark Ages.
My girlfriend is amazed because she’s never experienced anything like it, and at some times feels a bit scared by the weirdness of it all. After 6-10 minutes, the sky returns to normal and the day goes on. We feel lucky for the chance to experience this thing that occurs only once, maybe twice a year, and in only one latitude line at a time.
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