For Soundarya, her sister Sujitha and her brother Ganesh: the eclipse that could not be seen from India, as observed from Wasilla, Alaska
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 12:06PM 
As it drew near to the time of the total eclipse of the moon that took place above us late last night and early this morning, I was wondering how I should deal with it on this blog, or if I should deal with it at all.
After all, millions of cameras all across North America and wherever else it could be viewed would be pointed at that eclipse and there would really be nothing that I could contribute to the mix. Among those cameras would be those of NASA, of other professional astronomers and of many amateur astronomers who would have just the right equipment to really tell the story.
As for me, I could not even find my tripod head. I would have to shoot hand-held, with a maximum telephoto of 400 mm - not that great for coming in close on the moon.
Then, as always, I thought of Sandy and I knew that if she still lived, I would go out and take some pictures of the eclipse, just because it would not be visible from India and I would want to share the experience with her as best I could.
I would tell her what it was like to go in and out of the house, never bothering to put on a jacket or hat or gloves or anything, because what did it matter if the temperature was -18 on her C scale. This was solstice, the time when the sun ceases its retreat to the south and turns once more to the north, to bring the light and warmth back to us.
It was right that there should be a bit of bite in the air, even if it wasn't all that cold, and that I should feel it without the protection of warm clothing. No danger - the house is right there, behind me, fire burning in the wood stove.
So that is what I would have done - I would have taken the pictures of the eclipse. I would have emailed them to her and I would have written about the experience.
I thought of her sister, Sujitha, and her brother Ganesh. They would not see the eclipse, either. Sure, they could find better pictures of it online than what I would take, but if I shot it, it would give them a direct connection.
So, Sandy, Suji and Gane:
This post is for you.
;)
The thought does strike me that perhaps Sandy had a better view of the eclipse than did all of us, even those at NASA. I don't know. Perhaps.
It is all a mystery to me.
Reader Comments (19)
Very cool series of shots, Bill. Thanks. (I slept through it, boring old guy that I am.)
I stayed with it 'till 11:30 and then quit due to the cold out / then heat flush I'd get in the house from it's heat. You're pictures are great!
BEAUTIFUL perfect shots!
(we had rain and clouds - thank you)
And yes, perhaps Sandy did have a better view. So sad still.
It was too cloudy for us to see it here, so I thank you for the pictures. You did a great job!
Bill
Your pictures were awesome! I slept right thru it, so to be able to enjoy it tonight was wonderful. Thank you for sharing!
Well Done!.......".Father Sky peered through one of his star holes in the night blanket of the sky. Brother Moon smiled to himself."........Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Thank you SOOOOOOO much - it is still raining in the southern California desert. The moon has not been visible at all.As usual, both your photos and explanation are exquisite.
Thank you, Bill for the stunning pictures. This celestial spectacle was not visible in India but these pictures make up for what we have missed. Am sure it must have been an eerie and thrilling experience to view a red moon.
Thank you once again.
BEAUTY!
Yes Uncle Bill, Sandy did get a closer look and we got it through your pictures. I was reading your email when you were rushing now and then to get the snaps...now I know you were out in cold just for us to feel this. My heartfelt thanks to this... Loved them all. Esp. the FIRST one.
Beautiful. Our California desert was completely overcast and raining. Can you believe that? Every other night of the year we have a brilliant night sky.
I finally get to see it! Thanks, Bill - and congratulations on your Bloggers' Choice (very much deserved) win.
Congrats; Bill!! WINNER! 2010 Bloggers Choice Awards "Best Photography Blog" - We like you.We really like you!
Thanks for the stunning photos of the lunar eclipse -- we couldn't see them here in Germany either.
Bill -- you won the best photography blog at the Bloggers Choice Awards -- Whoopee!
http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/main/winners?page=4
I so enjoyed these photos! Thank you!
Though we had relatively clear skies here in my patch in Southeast I slept through my alarm, the eclipse, the night...
Love your blog, Mr Hess.
Congratulations, on winning the Best Photography Award!
Your pictures need no voice. They speaks volume by themselves.
Also, thanks for showing the good side of Alaska; and for sharing your family.
I bet Sandy was loving that view..
How beautiful ! You stood up there freezing, taking so many shots? This is unbelievable?
Thanks so much for putting these on your blog. It really means a lot to us, to Sandy too.
You deserve a tight hug. I'm hugging and hugging, wont let you go.
I love you.
Gane
Enjoyed the photo series of the eclipse. Remarkable event in our lifetimes..
Congratulations on the award...
Have a warm and happy Xmaqs with your loving family, and a healthy and productive New Year in 2011.
I have not been doing so good at keeping up comments lately. Trust me - I do read and appreciate them all, but I have been failing to respond to them. As of right now, I intend to change this.
So:
Albert - I doubt very much that you are boring. It was just easier to stay up for it in my time zone than in yours. Plus, I very seldom get to bed before 1 or 2 am, anyway.
Cyndy - thanks. You should have brought Oscar out to keep you warm.
Michelle - I'm glad our sky was clear. Thank you.
Mikey - But you live in the Valley of the Sun! Glad I could help.
Amy - So good to sleep. Thank you.
MGSoCal - Thank you - on this night, brother moon wore all his expression in just three hours time.
Mirage - So sorry - the moon would have been beautiful over that desert.
cawitha - it was eerie to see a red moon and thrilling too. I am very glad that you are one of the people that I got to share this with.
Suji - I am at a loss for words, due to what I feel in my heart. I will find some and then write you an email.
WakeUpAmerica - Wow. Three comments from the great southwestern desert, and all of you plagued by overcast and rain.
Aussie Blue Sky - Next time this happens in reverse, where we in the northern hemisphere do not get to see, you might return the favor.
Mirage - Appreciate it - and I first learned of this when I read your comment! Thank you for letting me know.
Kathleen - It sounds like Alaska had better weather than just about everybody. And congratulations to Palingates on your award.
Alaska Pi - I would say you probably needed that sleep. You are welcome.
juicyfruityy - Thank you. Alaska can be a hard place, but beyond that, it is always a good place.
Rocksee - I hope so. I hope she knows I was thinking of her when I took those pictures.
Gane - I won't let you go, either. No. I won't.
lilly lily - Yes, incredible to see in a lifetime. I will do my best to do so and I hope the same for you.