Catholic Family Vignettes

Six inches of snow and a total white-out today...crystal clear and three degrees at 11:00 p.m. Time to grab the camera to catch the last total lunar eclipse until 2010.

The pics were not terrific. My little point n' shoot Canon is just not quite as fabulous as Clementine's extremely sophisticated number...not to mention that fact that I just don't have her skill. Or a really good tri-pod...

Maybe I should leave the photography to the experts.

Ah, well. It was nice standing in the snow with Arthur and my dear husband, observing the eclipse and at least trying to capture a bit of it. My boy loves the night sky nearly as much as his mom and dad.

Good heavens, it was cold! Read more!

The alarm went off at 5:00 a.m. For a brief moment, I was sorely tempted to roll over and hit snooze. After all...it might be cloudy. Definitely chilly. And wet.

I had promised to wake them.

Donning slippers and a shawl, I slipped into the darkness and stepped over to the side of the house, to observe the glory of the moon at the beginning of the lunar eclipse.



So I woke them.



What a blast! Extremely chilly boys, wrapped in blankets and polar fleece, braved the wet grass and observed the finest example of a total lunar eclipse, that this mom has ever seen. Not to mention the finest view of Orion that we have seen all summer.









An hour later, greeted by the rainbow hues of the morning sky at sunrise, we venture back to the house for an extremely early breakfast. And coffee.




I'm going to need a LOT of coffee today. And this.

It was SO worth it. The pictures are pretty good, thanks to Meredith's fabulous camera...though mom's skills are somewhat lacking. I'm just not a terrific photographer. Read more!

In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, a total lunar eclipse will occur. NASA has an excellent timeline as well as viewing suggestions. An excellent activity to supplement a homeschool astronomy program!

From NASA:

"Although total eclipses of the Moon are of minor scientific value, they are remarkably beautiful events which do not require expensive equipment. They help to cultivate interest in science and astronomy in children and to provide a unique learning opportunity for families, students and teachers. To the nature lover and naturalist, the lunar eclipse can be appreciated and celebrated as an event which vividly illustrates our place among the planets in the solar system. The three dimensional reality of our universe comes alive in a graceful celestial ballet as the Moon swings through the Earth's shadow. Hope for clear skies, dress warmly and enjoy the show!"
Read more!