Earth, Moon and Stars, Glory Be!
2019 began with many interesting and phenomenal heavenly shows for us. We marveled at a better-than-average meteor shower, peered with glee at a spectacular partial solar eclipse, and howled with a rare “super” lunar eclipse—all in the first month!*
If you’re familiar with astronomy in its most
basic forms, you likely know this week’s word. For others, your familiarity with
“sunshine,” “moonshine”
(in more than one form!), and starshine (though not a dictionary word), will
enjoy a little …
EARTHSHINE (urthʹshīn’) n. – the faint illumination of the dark
part of the moon by sunlight reflected from the earth. [WW #201]
While we’re speaking strictly astronomical,
you know our music has reflected cosmic references since the inception of
lyrics.
Popular tunes from “Blue Moon” (1934/1961 internationally,
The Marcels) to “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” (1973 Stevie Wonder), often raise our eyes and
hearts skyward.
Not romantically wistful or simply reflective
in thought, the celebrated Pink Floyd album Dark Side of the Moon asked and answered a more provocative question:
What is “the
dark side of the moon”? reply: There is no dark side in the moon, really.
Matter of fact, it's all dark. The only thing that makes it look light is the
sun.**
Going about our daily lives, it’s easy to take
our Universe and all
of its incredible bodies for granted. It isn’t necessary to be an astronomer to
enjoy a few moments of earthshine
or other amazing cosmic wonder. Make it this week’s adventure.
Cosmic notes:
*Meteor showers grace the skies in April, May,
and a few other later months; and another total solar eclipse favors only the
Southern Hemisphere (not US), July 2nd. Seasky
is one of several sites w/info.
**The third
line above, ending Pink Floyd’s “Eclipse,”+ does not
appear in posted lyrics sites. Apparently, this is the original version that Gerry
O’Driscoll, the doorman at Abbey Road Studios, spoke. +However, this YouTube
version with lyrics, does include it.
Earthshine image -- according to Wiki: Leonardo da Vinci's sketch of crescent Moon with earthshine as part of his Codex Leicester, written between 1506 and 1510.
Word Challenge: EARTHSHINE. Add it to your beautiful, spacy
thoughts or even create your own musical heavenly tribute, as you
work earthshine
into your week of far out writings.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s
your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay
Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of
three) in her Blast from Your Past
series about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. The true behind-the-mic tales make
GREAT Holiday Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll
Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll
Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
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