León, Spain (Front Row)
The Day I Turned Off the Sun Over Spain
Spain hadn't seen a total eclipse in more than a hundred years. Then I came to visit. The Moon doesn't think it's a coincidence.
Spain hadn’t seen a total eclipse of the Sun in more than a hundred years. Then Donny came to visit. I’m not saying the two things are connected. Scientists are saying it, quietly, to each other.
My Eclipse Diary
7:30 p.m. Arrived in León. Thousands of people in special glasses, all looking up. I assumed they were looking for me. Some of them were.
7:45 p.m. The Moon started sliding in front of the Sun. Everybody wants to stand in front when I’m around. Even planets. The Moon isn’t a planet, someone told me. It certainly acted like one.
8:28 p.m. Total darkness, right before sunset. The crowd cheered. A minute and a half without the Sun, and nobody complained. That’s leadership.
8:30 p.m. I turned the Sun back on. Everyone was very relieved. Several people thanked the Moon, which was rude, but I let it go.
What I Learned
Spain gets another total eclipse next year. I’ll be there for that one too. They can’t do it without me, and frankly, the Moon needs the practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did you really turn off the Sun?
For about a minute and a half. Then I turned it back on. Nobody else offered.
Is it safe to look at an eclipse?
Only with special glasses. I wore two pairs. Double the safety, double the style.