Things of the Universe

jim8578
Apr 11, 2024
2 min read

Photo by David Tew.

We had the opportunity to experience a 'Total Eclipse'. We did that in Cape Girardeau Missouri. I am 67 years old and have never witnessed an eclipse in it's totality. I have witnessed eclipses with special glasses before, but not this. There is no comparison between them.

There is about an hour of build-up with the moon moving in front of the sun. With solar glasses, you can witness the distinct image of the phenomenon. Eventually there is a small sliver of sun remaining and then, boom - it goes dark.

The blue sky at mid-day is all of a sudden a sky that resembles dusk - except for the fact that there appears to be a 360º sunset. And the moon is a distinct, perfectly round orb with an unearthly, radiant ring of white fire surrounding it.

The clear presence of a star witnesses the event just to the right. Words don't really describe what being there was like.

You can't re-create, legislate or purchase what is taking place. It is completely beyond the influence of man. You are really left to wonder in awe at the reality of these orbs we have always known lined up as though they are reminding us that we ought to be a little more humble.

Photo by David Tew

Our sky was clear - the perfect backdrop for the day. I am so grateful we had the chance to witness this. My pictures were taken with my iPhone and certainly don't do justice to what our eyes saw. David Tew was a photographer there with great photo/telescope equipment that shared his images with us.