SOLAR ECLIPSE DAY

We had a beautiful, warm Spring day for the solar eclipse, the first in this area since 2017. In both cases, we were not in the path of totality-that has not happened since the year of my birth in 1954. The next total solar eclipse in the lower 48 states will take place in 2044, the next one to be seen in MI will happen in 2099.

C, I and several of her colleagues gathered in the parking lot behind Bessey Hall. Any open area on campus was packed with students and there was such a good vibe. 

Here, we had 97% coverage occurring at 3.12pm EDT:

Nick King

We borrowed viewing glasses from C's friends. I made a pinhole camera: several apertures were made on a piece of aluminum foil taped over a square hole in a chunk of mat board. The light passes through the holes and is projected on another piece of mat board. Size and clarity of image is adjusted by changing the distance between the mat boards. This is also known as a camera obscura, an ancient piece of technology going back centuries.

At 97% coverage, we noticed that the light around us has softly dimmed the environment and the birds had quieted. The return of the sun was announced by a male cardinal, high in the trees, like a feathered muezzin.

Other notable things on this fine day:

The first dandelion:

The first butterfly-a red admiral. To some, their appearance symbolizes spiritual awakening, transformation, and renewal. I saw another today.

Unusual sighting-Mourning doves on the pool railing:

The discovery of a transplanted daff by our squirrel friends who moved it across the front walk from its homeland:

The vibe I mentioned before-millions of Americans gathering to witness together (although not at the same time), an event not tied to an entertainment star or sports. Something more basic, to remind us of where we are in the solar system, to show us there are much larger, fundamental things at play. Additionally, this was a welcomed respite from the relentless meat grinder of culture wars and politics which consume so much of our daily consciousness. It was like a cool drink of water.