At this time of the year the nights are hardly noticable, as the sun is below the horizon for just a few hours – during which the sky never darkens enough for the stars to come out.
During this eclipse the rising moon was below the horizon during much of the totality, and I don’t think it was possible to see the entire totality unless on the open ocean or high in the mountains. I did’t take the chance as the weather was unstable with rain showers, and drove off to a wide open landscape just south of where I live (Ski, Follo).
Only about 2-3 moon diametres was obscured during the rise – partly by a distant forest, partly by clouds. Totality was over at 23:03, and my first sight of the moon was at 23:23 (+2 UTC).
My position was otherwise perfect and to top if off I was showered with the most beautiful bird song from a Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris):
I’m amazed that this small bird is capabale of such complex, loud and continous singing. All others go quite as dusk deepens, that’s the beauty of the nocturnal singers – they have the soundscape all to themselves!
1430, Norway
Last updated on 3 October 2015
