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I had planned on going to sleep early. I had planned on beating this horrid insomnia once and for all with a couple of over-the-counter sleeping pills. However, my forgetfulness outshone my inability to sleep (as it does a lot of things).
I was writing a bit and watching some Tennant-era Doctor Who when before I knew it, it was after 2:00am and I had not yet taken the pills. With the beginning of the eclipse just moments away, I figured I should watch it. Besides, how often does anyone actually get to do one of these once-in-a-lifetime things?
I walked outside and wasn’t prepared for how this moment would affect me. I looked up and literally sighed, “Wow.” I nearly fell to my knees. The moon was glowing red and the stars — despite the wretched light pollution here — were brilliant.
I ran back in the house and scrambled for my camera. Between my freezing fingers and the blowing wind, I realized that holding it was a losing battle for clear images. I grabbed the tripod, set the timer, and let the shutter do it’s thing.
Leaning back on the railing around my porch, I sipped on some Talisker 10 Year Single Malt (one rock, seemed appropriate). The cold night air and the twinkling night sky moved me. I felt myself making wishes and (dare I say) on the verge of praying.
I regret not having the stamina to wait for the full eclipse, but I am happy with what I did see. The Earth had waited 372 years for this moment, and I can say I was there for most of it. Freezing my ass off and almost believing in God.
To learn more about eclipses, go to NASA’s Eclipse website
By the way, this was before realizing I should use a tripod
About the Song:
Frank Sinatra recorded ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ in 1964, accompanied by the Count Basie Orchestra. This version — arranged by Quincy Jones — is the one most people know. The song was originally written in 3/4 time and had waltz feel, but Jones wanted it to swing. So he changed it to a straight 4/4 time. Played by the astronauts on Apollo 10 and 11, it seemed right to feature this version as my tribute to last night’s lunar eclipse.
See Also:
NASA’s Eclipse Website
Frank Sinatra
Doctor Who
