The Phenomenon Of Luminosity by Hawkwind is a song that seems to be inspired by the experiences of American astronaut John Glenn during his spaceflight on Friendship Seven in 1962. The opening lines of the song, "I'll try to describe what I'm in here" mirror Glenn's attempts to explain the strange phenomenon he was witnessing in space. Glenn describes a mass of small particles that are lit up like they are luminescent, similar to little stars showering around his capsule. The song suggests that this experience has a profound impact on Glenn, as he is witnessing something that is beyond human comprehension. The song's lyrics are full of imagery that captures the otherworldly nature of the experience. The chorus "The phenomenon of luminosity, the phenomenon of light" speaks to the breathtaking display that Glenn witnessed, where countless glowing particles seemed to fill the void of space. The song seems to suggest that this experience represents a change in perception for Glenn, as he sees something that challenges his understanding of the universe. The song's final lines, "I saw something that I'll never forget, it was very beautiful, and I'm glad I saw it. Over" convey a sense of wonder and awe that suggests that Glenn's experience of the phenomenon of luminosity was a moving and transformative one.
