Solar eclipse Selsley common Stroud

Watching the watchers

I can’t remember where I was during the Solar Eclipse in 1999 but somehow I missed it. Perhaps I’d overslept, perhaps I was too bone idle to walk outside. Who knows?

Well, I thought I’d better make the effort this time, see what all the fuss is about, besides it’s a great excuse to get my camera out and take a few snaps.

Rather than pointing my camera directly at the sun and burning the back of my retina out, I’d thought I’d concentrate on taking pictures of the watchers watching. Selsley common in Stroud seemed like a logical choice, what with been high up on a hill and all that stuff.

Upon my arrival, I could find small groups of people scattered around the common, all preparing and bracing themselves for the great event. Some groups were teenagers, some family groups and a few pensioners scattered about.

About 15 minutes before the climax of the eclipse an eerie light started to descend on us, not only eerie but strangely mystical. Although I couldn’t look directly at the eclipse it was lovely to soak up the atmosphere. A small family group was extremely excited by the event, an older couple fascinated and the group of teenagers thought it was all a bit of a letdown. As for me well I can’t say it was a life-changing experience but I can see what all the fuss is about and well worth the effort. Unfortunately, the next one is not until 2090, somehow I don’t think I’ll be around but if you are get out there and enjoy it wherever you are!

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Solar eclipse Selsley Common Stroud