The highly anticipated eclipse of the Sun this week rather passed me by. I was busy, and hardly thought of looking out of the window. I did not notice it getting any darker. I was really not “tuned in” to it and I knew, anyway, that in Jamaica it would only be a partial eclipse.
The NASA photographs were, however, stunning (as always). I am addicted to the NASA website, which is always spectacular. A photo of the moron who is the U.S. President (and shall not be named) screwing up his eyes at the sun, and the humorous responses thereto on Twitter made me give the usual kind of contemptuous, snorting laugh that I reserve only for that man.
However, the experience of a friend, who lives up in the hills of St. James made me see the eclipse in a whole different light.* Because for her (and her family) it was an intensely personal experience. She posted her account in a Note on Facebook and I asked if I could share it. So, with her kind permission, here it is.
What an amazing week with Nature being the star.
Monday August 21, 2017 was the DAY! A total solar eclipse across the USA with Jamaica experiencing a partial solar eclipse. The international media constantly reminded the public to use protective coverings for the eyes to view the eclipse. Looking at the sun at anytime is dangerous with the naked eye but the higher levels of radiation emitted from the sun during an eclipse warranted the extra warnings and precautions.
Armed with only my camera I took a few images looking through the view finder. I got some spectacular shots but none of the eclipse.The sky was overcast and the cloud covering was so dense. It seemed the eclipse was cancelled for Jamaica.
I resigned myself to getting images of the play of the light from the sun and the darkness of the clouds.
Both pictures above brought to the fore the importance of light and indeed the darkness. The clouds were so heavy and yet the sun literally pierced through with deliberate precision to infiltrate the darkness.
Suddenly a new appreciation for both the light and the dark – its opposite. A chill ran up my spine as I stood there in awe of the sun and its power. The artistic design in the dark clouds was a spectacle in itself.
It became so hot. Unusually hot, and we all began drinking bottles of water. We were determined to catch a glimpse.
I showed Ras the images on my camera and as I walked away he said, “The eclipse is beautiful.”
I spun around to see him with a strange looking pair of glasses on his face. I pointed the camera at the sun looking at the screen, nothing but light. Yet with the protective glasses Ras says he is seeing the eclipse? He handed me the glasses and my heart skipped a beat . Is this another lesson?
“Darkness in the right dose makes it possible to see the light?” How do I get my camera to see this? Ras and Ayale both reminded me of the UV filters for my camera, Still barely seeing the outline, then a eureka moment. “Put the protective glasses in front of the camera lens,” says Ras and immediately the camera captured what we all saw. The excitement was now so high as we took turns sharing the glasses.
Wow – here at Ahhh we captured this historical phenomenon on camera. Priceless!
Nothing could top this experience or so I thought. There was to be a second phenomenon the following day Tuesday, August 22, 2017 . At about 10:00 am high up in the sky above my neighbour’s home there was as bright as day a “Sundog” and also a halo around the sun.
A Sundog ( scientific name parhelion) is an atmospheric phenomenon mostly associated with the refraction of sunlight by tiny ice crystals making up cirrus or cirrustratus clouds. The horizontal rainbow was visible to the left of the complete circle around the sun “halo.”
Two days in a row and Mother Nature revealed her splendour to the world . Before the day was through another spectacular display. Tuesday August 22,2017 approximately 2:00 pm.
An ominous cloud hung over the city of Montego Bay, yet the sun was still shining on the city. As we watched the cloud burst to the left and began to rain.
There is so much to learn from Mother Nature. I often feel minuscule, and that is as it should be. I truly wish we would be more appreciative of the numerous gifts of Nature. We have been so truly blessed. Everyday, Nature supplies vast numbers of gifts but we are so busy we often miss out.
My thoughts from the eclipse and Sundog?
“No matter how thick or dark any situation, light always penetrates and consumes the darkness.”
©Tamika Felina Pommells Williams.
* Apologies for the pun.
Petchary's Blog 
Nice photos
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Thank you, but all credit goes to Tamika, who took them from her perch in the hills above Montego Bay…
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What a lovely story, and images! Like you, it passed me, so I can only enjoy the photos.
P.S. “A photo of the moron who is the U.S. President (and shall not be named) screwing up his eyes at the sun” had me in stitches!
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Thank you! I know – you know seriously, I cannot bear to mention his name! I’m glad you enjoyed the post – well, my friend’s post actually. So beautiful.
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Emma! Thanks for sharing this powerful insightful story from MoBay, worthy of many re-reads. I know I will re-read. Judith
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Yes, this account really moved me in several ways. I am glad you enjoyed it! Best, Emma
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