Well, one of the big reasons we are in Saipan now has come and gone. On July 22nd, there was a Solar Eclipse. It was not total, but about 70-75%. It was total in China but from what I heard on the news, it was difficult to see there because of cloudy weather. Here in Saipan, it was a bit cloudy all morning but just before the eclipse was due to start, the clouds cleared and we had a perfect view the entire time! J.Ward gave a presentation and just as he concluded we could see the first little "bite" out of the sun. They had a telescope aimed at the sun and then projected that image onto a large screen T.V. so people could watch that way. We also had some "viewers" that people could hold up to their eyes and look directly at the sun without injury. We had a very good turn out with lots of excited people!
Here is the eclipse at the beginning.
Here it is a few minutes later.
And then a few minutes after that.
Here it is almost at the maximum here in Saipan.
This is a picture of the maximum that we saw here in Saipan. The final picture was taken through the telescope with the special filter. All in all, a very exciting day! And one that probably won't come around for another 130 years. Atleast not one of this duration, according to our own "Astronomer in Residence"!
Here is the eclipse at the beginning.
Here it is a few minutes later.
And then a few minutes after that.
Here it is almost at the maximum here in Saipan.
This is a picture of the maximum that we saw here in Saipan. The final picture was taken through the telescope with the special filter. All in all, a very exciting day! And one that probably won't come around for another 130 years. Atleast not one of this duration, according to our own "Astronomer in Residence"!
This last week, we took a boat ride out to Managaha. We spent an enoyable day lounging in the sun, playing in the sand and surf, snorkeling, and for some...para-sailing!
J.Ward and I watched Andrew while all of the kids went out on the boat and took turns para-sailing two at a time. The kids said that it was amazing and very relaxing! I think the picture above is either Jeanette and Heather or Stephen and Aaron. They were so high and far out from the island that it was difficult to see who was up!
This picture, I'm pretty sure, is of Mike and Emily. Para-sailing was on Emily's bucket list so she can check that one off!!
Andrew had a GREAT time playing in the sand and running around. This was the best way to keep him in one spot!
And...what could be more perfect than ending the day with one of Saipan's gorgeous sunsets. The rays of color and the reflection on the water are really unbelievable!! (The picture isn't even photo shopped!)
It may be difficult to see but this is a picture of a hermit crab that has made his home from an old piece of rubber. Can you say "Hawthorn" anyone? (That's the crab from the comic Sherman's Lagoon).
Emily, Mike, and Andrew arrived a couple of days ago. Andrew is enjoying his first ever meal on a tropical island!! Boy is it good!
This is a fire dancer who performed at the Sunset Barbecue. He even held the flame in his hand for a minute!!
