Our Solar Eclipse 2009 Experience

When I was a child, I have always looked out when there are eclipses. When one is publicized in the news, I always looked forward to it, complete with paraphernalia.

It was because I have always been fascinated with the outer space. After reading about Apollo 11, I already wanted to be an astronaut. So whenever there is an eclipse, that is the closest I get to outer space stuff.

But during the solar eclipse 2009, I am already an adult and not as absorbed about the outer space. Besides, I am already a new mother overwhelmed with her new responsibilities.

My, husband, however, was different. He forgot that an eclipse was going to happen. So while it was already late, he hurried outside with his sunglasses with him. But he could not see the eclipse so he came back to me. I told him to get a basin of water and to fill it with water and to let the sun shine on it. Actually, this was what I did when I was still a child. However, the glare was too much. So my husband did that, too. But he still came back, telling me that he did not see the eclipse.

Finally, he managed to find the protective glasses used by welders. So he went out again and he happily reported when he came back that he saw the eclipse, although it was already small and has almost passed him by.

Nevertheless, he was happy. So for this year, that was our solar eclipse experience. It was not really much because here in the Philippines, the eclipse was only partial and did not even darken the Philippine skies.