I first read about eclipses when I was in Primary 3 or 4. I was fascinated, to say the least! The fact that something like that could actually happen was completely out of this world for my impressionable age :) Knowing that a total (or near total eclipse) could be quite rare for Singapore, I read up on all that I could on both solar and lunar eclipses. It opened up the world of planets and solar system for me and with it, my understanding of the world itself!
In 1988, I read with a racing heart, that a partial solar eclipse could be seen from Singapore on 11 September! Back then, this particular date had no other meanings and I was all excited to be able to see even a partial eclipse! To know more about eclipses in visible in Singapore, go here :)
My granny, was however, very much against me viewing it! Her reason? An eclipse is an "unlucky" phenomena and seeing that I will be attempting a very major examination in my academics that year, she was up in arms against me viewing something that could bring me "bad luck". To her chagrin, I was unstoppable :P How could I ever miss out on something that I had only read about for years and NOT see it when it's literally happening in my backyard! Not a chance!
Back in those days, there were not as much publicity on such events, much less any organized outing to view eclipses! Left to my own devices, I could only use a big basin of water under the hot sun, out in the open, to view the eclipse. I was determined to do so despite getting very funny stares from neighbours :P
It may just be a partial eclipse. It was viewed (very sketchy) on a basin of water. Yet, it was the best eclipse for me :) It was never far from my memory :)
Fast forward to Year 2016, 9 March. I could barely contain my excitement as I read with relish that this eclipse will be 87% coverage at its max and it will be SO visible in Singapore! Gosh! I was like a little girl all over again when I shared this with my firstborn. Thankfully, my firstborn is equally excited as she had read about it but never seen one. Sounds familiar eh?
As reported in Straits Times.
A link to this complete article could be found below.
I soon realized that she will be in school when the maximum coverage occur at 0832hrs :( She was so disappointed that I could not bear to crush her excitement and decided to write to her teacher who will be taking her class at that time. To cut a long story short, My request for a viewing or even a mention of the eclipse when it was happening, was gently but firmly turned down. Whilst I could understand that to organize a viewing for an entire class in the middle of a lesson is rather unthinkable, I was, admittedly, rather disappointed that even a mention was not given due to constraints of lesson time :(
As I break the news to my firstborn, she was disappointed to say the least and I was rather disenchanted. I am not being ungrateful for the first class education system (or so I was told) that Singapore has. Nor am I unappreciative of the work of teachers. Yet, I was disenchanted with the fact that all talk of exposing our young to real life (versus book life) and hands-on experiences (versus virtual) seem to be just that - talk :(
When a rare opportunity presents itself, to have the child experience something that may not come along again in his or her lifetime, is brushed aside in view of academic time constraints, it leaves me flabbergasted! How long could a mention of the eclipse take? 10mins tops including a brief explanation of what it is, what are they seeing or experiencing then. 10mins of academic time in exchange for a live experience of a natural phenomena is more than worth it, in my humble opinion.
This photo was take by hubby dearest. He knew that I was unable to see the eclipse itself with a young toddler alongside so he had ran out to the open when the eclipse was at its peak to somehow snap and send me this. Yes, he was at work. He sure knows me best and I am so so grateful and felt so loved! Thank you my dear!
The very presence of such a large coverage eclipse is breathtaking! The area that was covered by the moon appeared overcast, dark and gloomy even. The side of the area that was not covered, had hot scorching sunlight, seemingly stronger than usual to try and "make up" for the eclipse. This can be strongly felt especially when you are out in the open, with one side being dark and gloomy and the other bright and sunny. It was a sight to behold! I could experience all these despite being indoors then so I could only marvel at the wondrous sight one could see when out in the open!
I took pictures and share what I experienced that morning with my kiddos. How I wish I could have them experience it too! Then again, self-mockingly, I still sent them to school despite knowing that they will miss out on the eclipse. Much lesser than I was worried for the amount of school work missed, but more for the reactions that I will probably get. From hubby dearest's "Eh? Ok then YOU write the excuse letter." to their grandparents' disbelief "Aiyoh then will miss lesson! What if she cannot catch up then how?" I too, fell into the trap of societal pressure of what is education - formal versus experience.
Yet, just like the eclipse, there is still an area that is passionately hot :) Many articles had shown how many schools in Singapore had taken that leap, leading by awesome example of how a real life experience can be, if not more, enriching, with far-reaching influence and impact than an academic lesson could be! My sincere and heartfelt applause for these schools and their educators. Some articles of interest are linked below.
Link below for the complete article.
Thus, the eclipses in my life, my dilemma, my quandary :( I can only hope that I will have the strength to let them "ponteng" school for the next eclipse and share in the awe and wonder alongside them.
