Total Solar Eclipse 2009. Photo credit: Sunil Malhotra
Today’s image is dedicated to Bob Rood, my favorite astronomer and father of my closest friend. There are many things I could tell the world about Bob—about the entire Snell-Rood clan—but selfishly, I’d like to keep my thoughts and feelings to myself right now. Instead, I link you to his narrative of the trip we took to Varanasi to view the total solar eclipse in 2009. I think you’ll be able to tell from his story and photos why that week meant so much to me.
Edited to add:
Video of November 10, 2011 Memorial Service
Robert T. Rood, at University of Virginia’s Department of Astronomy
Obituary from Charlottesville Daily Progress
“For Bob Rood, one of the coolest people I know,” from One Astronomer’s Noise
