Annular Solar Eclipse

May 20th 2012

The annular solar eclipse of 2012. I had a miniature freak out when I found out that I had to work until 5:30pm on that day but realized that I had plenty of time to set up and experience this rare event. It was a partial solar eclipse from our area but a solar eclipse is a solar eclipse no matter what. I brought a few things up to my roof to get a better view.

I made a pinhole camera viewing box by using white paper, a shoebox, tape and aluminum foil. I poked a small hole through the aluminum foil and the image of the sun was projected to the back of the box. 

My view. 

The air was hotter than usual, my shadow different, my thoughts momentarily grounded. I forgot about all the weight inside my heart and I just practiced being there. 

I finally had a chance to use this gigantic zoom lens that my sister gave me along with my film camera a very long time ago. I took a few photos with it but since I couldn't look into the viewfinder (because I didn't want to hurt my eyes), I'm not quite sure if I got a good shot at all. I'll find out when this roll is all done and I take it in to get developed. 

I tried taking some shots with my digital camera but it didn't quite work out. I did get this weird reflection of the eclipse which is the crescent shape to the left of the sun. Maybe when the next one comes around I'll have some cool glasses to see it this time. I think it's nice when something so massive, so beautiful like this happens. I feel like it makes many people realize that we are so so small in this gigantic universe. At least that's how these kinds of events make me feel. It gives me a nice perspective and it makes me appreciate this life and reminds me to not take anything for granted because I am just a "tiny speck in an giant's eye."