An accidental moonset

For astronomers like me, the period near full moon is an excuse to be anywhere but beneath its glare. So, when the chance arose to attend a "Posh Picnic" at Two Paddocks winery in Earnscleugh, with the moon bright, waning and gibbous, I leapt. Fine food, wonderful wine and convivial company would provide a useful intervention to my usual celestial antics.

Earnscleugh is ruggedly beautiful. Its undulating golden hills sculpted by wind and time stand sentinel over the Clutha River. It is classic Central Otago: austere, breathtaking and seemingly designed for a painter’s brush. The event at Two Paddocks, hosted by a famous actor, winemaker and all-round good chap, is an epic annual gathering. While his skills in film and winemaking are undeniable, our host’s — to me — unknown enthusiasm for singing was delivered with a gusto that is nothing if not memorable. Let’s say that while Jurassic Park had velociraptors, The Two Paddocks choir offered its own distinctive take on vocal performance — spirited, heartfelt and entirely in the key of good cheer.

Under strict instructions from Mrs G, I had left all my astronomy cameras at home. This was to be a trip of leisure, not of late-night astrophotography. However, in a moment of absent-minded genius, I had forgotten that my infrared camera was still in the car. This oversight was only discovered later, though I was too busy enjoying the Pinot Noir to give it much thought.

The following morning, as we drove home through the still-slumbering landscapes of Central Otago, I was treated to an unforgettable sight. The waning gibbous moon, seemingly enormous, was sinking towards the hills embracing Cromwell. It was a scene that reminded me of Ansel Adams’ famous Moonrise photograph — though I lacked both the large-format camera and the skill of the master photographer to properly capture the vista. Nevertheless, I pulled over, fumbled for my infrared camera and snapped away, hoping that at least one image might capture something of the magic before me.

It was a fitting end to a trip planned around the moon. And, for once, it was a trip where the moon had not entirely outshone the previous evening’s entertainment.