Shirley and I went up onto the nearby moors this evening to see the so-called "blue moon" rising. It had a thick band of cloud to negotiate first and then it emerged with an orangey glow that reflected the last remnants of a sunset that had just gone.
My camera was not really up to the job but I tried my best to capture some images of the silvery orb that endlessly circles us.
When you think of it, the moon unites this planet. Unless you are blind, no matter where or who you are you can look up and see the moon shining down in dumb silence, its rhythms seemingly eternal. The moon does not favour the rich and powerful, nor does it seek to give preferential treatment to the poor in their desperation. From harvest moons to gibbous moons and from super moons to blue moons, the moon is equal in its munificence.
In my mind's eye, I still see a newspaper cartoon from July 1969 in the days just before Apollo XI reached the moon. Two emaciated Biafran boys are on a Nigerian beach looking up at the silver sphere and one says to the other, "If they find cheese up there do you think they'll bring some back for us?" Try as I might, I have never been able to relocate that brilliant cartoon in this age of computer detective work.
Much has been written about moon both scientifically and in myth. How many songs have been written about the moon?
ReplyDeleteAccording to my calculations 4,742.
DeleteI tried for a moon photo but as usual, a fail. I like the one taken between the houses.
ReplyDeleteThis is when expensive quality cameras show their mettle.
DeleteWith the storm passing overhead the moon was all but gone. Pretty sight, though.
ReplyDeleteDid your house become an ark?
DeleteThe picture of the moon between the houses is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteIt was raining here and the sky a firm lid of clouds last night, but when I woke up around 2:30 am, the moon was shining brightly into my living room. It was blinding enough for me not to look directly at it for more than half a second. And tonight, it should be similar; sighting possibly again thwarted by rain in the evening, but maybe clearing up during the night.
Normally, when there is a special astronomical event in this country, I seem to miss it because of clouds.
DeleteDidn't know you were a Manchester City fan YP. " Blue Moon.."
ReplyDeleteDidn't know you were a boxing fan Dave, "Red Nose".
DeleteDo you remember what newspaper it was in? I have access to old British newspapers and can look it up. I would probably start in July of 1969 though and not 1979.
ReplyDeleteYes 1969 not 79 - silly me! I believe it was the national "Daily Mail" but it could have been "The Daily Express". Good hunting Ed!
DeleteLooking at the top photo the moon doesn't look at all prepossessing does it? Rather ordinary and not worthy to be the subject of so much written about it, or the object of romance!
ReplyDeleteOh Carol, thou art like the moon
DeleteAnd precious as a silver spoon
Thou casteth a spell on all men who see you
Oh what delight you must feel just to be you
I toyed with the idea of going up to Hampstead Heath to see it, but it was quite cloudy here and besides I was too lazy.
ReplyDeleteClouds have often prevented me from witnessing special events in the night sky.
Deleteexcellent photos despite your excuses
ReplyDeleteThat's a good photo of the moon between the two houses.
ReplyDeleteYou old romantic!
ReplyDeleteWe slept through the whole thing but it was probably too cloudy here anyway.
I had a good view of that bright moon! I didn't look "blue" to me, tho, but it was lovely!
ReplyDelete