My stress levels are as high as I've ever known and thanks to a bad back and two very dodgy knees my health isn't what it should be. The UK government is soon to release the results of its Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) and I'm unsure if I'll have a job next year. This seems to have been going on for two or three years now ever since the STFC was formed and although that crisis had nothing to do with the global financial meltdown the CSR might result in a disaster for UK science and especially for those who work in pure science such as astronomy.Arriving back home today, edgy as always with the current situation, I noticed the moon setting behind my neighbour's trees. I could see the dark side of the moon illuminated by sunlight reflected from the Earth (earthshine) and for a few minutes my mind was distracted enough to have a little fun! Shame my camera just isn't up to it though!
From the lanai:
You can see some of the craters in this shot but not a lot of earthshine. Our trade winds have become strong this evening thanks to a high pressure system north of us over the Pacific Ocean but strangely enough the winds at my place were relatively calm. Just a few hundred feet above me the clouds were zipping through, so I guess the trades are back they just haven't got through the tree barrier just east of me!
The clouds made it difficult. The moon was there one moment and gone the next.
Finally a shot of earthshine - it did mean the illuminated bit of the moon was overexposed but it's almost impossible to avoid that. And it meant a few minutes being distracted from everything that's going on at the moment, and for that I was very grateful!
8 comments:
I am sorry about your health and the tentative economic/job situation. I hope it gets better.
just wanted you to know that I think that your blog, your images, and yes, the chronicle of your life at this time - it is totally remarkable. Stunning images. thank you!!!
It seems everybody has job-related worries, my husband, included. In his case, however, he has a wife and kid to support.
I am sorry to learn you have health issues, as well. Take care!
BTW, those shots of the moon are terrific!
I was admiring the earthshine on the waning crescent last week - it was exceptionally beautiful. I'm glad you were able to enjoy a welcome distraction, even if only for a little while. I hope both your health and your job situation move in a positive direction!
Nutty - wow, what a nice thing for you to say! I'm so pleased you enjoy the blog and pictures, it means a lot to me!
Gigi - I think we're in a new era. Supposedly the US is out of a recession now but I think that's just what accountants and politicians want to say. Nearly everyone is hurting these days except the super-rich and of course many of them are being payed bonuses by you and I. Something isn't right and my biggest fear is that although I think we'll recover the same thing will happen again soon and it'll be even worse.
I'm usually an optimist but I have a real fear of the future right now.
Boo - thank you so much! It definitely was a nice distraction and reminded me of how I used to love this place so much (I still do, but not with as much enthusiasm as I once did).
Many friends tell me I'm going to just fine in the future but like everyone I always have doubts!
Maybe I'm starting a mid-life crisis. God, I hope that's not what it is. I always thought that happened to other people...
Tom
Sucks to have to worry about health and job. A mid-life crisis often involves a new car and new wife. You have been warned. ;-)
Great moon photos! I like them all!
My car's getting old (8 years old now) but don't have a wife to replace, so maybe I'll be OK!
Tom
Recession is defined in terms of gross domestic product. If it shrinks for a quarter it's a recession. If it shrinks for two quarters it's a depression. If the gross domestic product grows because of inflation ... (you be the judge, don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger, but it;s a matter of messing with terms).
Ah, stunning, stunning shots!
You know, I was intrigued to see your pictures as the other day the moon looked exactly like that here too, with a little uneven surface in the bend, which have not see before but made me aware how much like a "face" it looked. I even paused a while to look at it while at a stop light. It is amazing that you see the same in your part of the world.
I love the moon and will forever be fascinated by it...
xo
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