Moment of Eclipse

It's very quiet in the morning, even though it's a holiday. While the sun has already greeted, the road in front of MLN is empty. I usually treat this like weekend by staying in bed or sofa for a longer period. However, today we're going to encounter the rare phenomenon of Total Solar Eclipse (TSE). The last TSE can be seen in Indonesia on June 11, 1983. It feels like I've been waiting all my life for this event. lol.

TSE is viewable in every part of Indonesia, although only a few cities are granted the full eclipse. As for Depok, we only get to see 88.74%. Since I don't expect much of the event, I don't have any preparation.

I check my front yard this morning at 6.30. It's so bright outside and the eclipse is happening! Watching it with bare eyes is hurt. I can only stare for 2 seconds. This kinda remind me a story about princesses living in the sun. They throw needles to anyone dare to look at them. I think the needles are added 100 times when it happen in a solar eclipse. lol.

Since it's hard to see the eclipse, I turn on my mac and search for some live streaming. Every tv station is featuring the phenomenon, but only Kompastv serves good streaming. It shows various views from all over the archipelago: from Palu to Palembang. People gather in those cities to watch. It gives such a warm feeling.

The reports also mention sightings of partial eclipse in my city. I also get to peek the moment, just for few seconds. Even with sunglasses, it hurts my eyes. The next problem is how to capture it. My camera is too panic to take a picture. XD

I love how people are excited to watch the phenomenon. It feels so proud being Indonesian to get this blessing because TSE can only be seen in Indonesia' cities. According to the guardian, Australia can see 60% and Japan even less, only 20%. I hope this privilege will lead to a new breakthrough in Indonesian astrology's advancement. As for common people like me, I feel that my school lesson is finally being used in practice. This might help teachers to explain natural phenomenon in classroom later.