The Celestial Experience...

Would we be able to see it? Can it be viewed from Mumbai? These and other questions related to them were the highlight of our lunch conversation last Friday afternoon... It was 1st August, the day of the Solar Eclipse. I really wanted to see this as it was something that I had dreamed of time and again...

So, I googled "solar eclipse 1 august" and received a list of results. I opted for the wikipedia link and gave a brief exclamation of joy as I learnt that it would be visible in India starting from 4.02 p.m. for a couple of hours. After proclaming my interest in viewing I got others around me interested too and as the time came nearer we waited in anticipation...

The time had finally come and so had the rains!! Cursing the dark clouds I waited impatiently till they emptied their gallons and went on their way. At around 5.20 p.m., we were rewarded with a clear enough sky and I went across to my colleague's desk wherein he passed me a cd film through which to look at the sun.

I glanced through the film and my breath left me as my eyes took in the pale, yellow, round shape of the sun and the dark shadow of the moon that covered a partial part of the sun!! It was beautiful!! One of nature's most mesmerising performances!! I pulled my eyes away from the sight as a big grin splashed across my face, a grin of satisfaction, of joy at being able to witness the event!

This unforgettable glimpse went on to become THE highlight of my evening while I mentally bookmarked the day in my mind's diary :-)