A Few More Eclipse Ideas…

(Plain Text Version)

Here are a few ideas which may or may not be included in the many excellent eclipse resources:

Where to Go

Many locations will probably have cloudy skies.  So, try to have more than one place to go.  Decide in advance how far you are willing to travel.  Check the weather forecasts and say a prayer!

My ideal place would be in a large field without any distractions, such as floodlights which turn on in darkness.  It would be interesting to find an elevated area, where the motion of the Moon’s shadow can be seen.

Some venues will have a sort of celebration, perhaps with music and fireworks.  You may seek one or avoid one, as you prefer.

Lodging

Many eclipse chasers will change plans at the last minute, so keep checking for cancellations, even on Eclipse Day.

You Tube Videos

To get an idea what to expect, try watching videos of the August 2017 event from various locations.  Ask yourself which settings you would enjoy.

Watching the Eclipse

Many people are overwhelmed by the sensations of the event and forget to carry out their plans.  I met an experienced photographer who traveled thousands of miles to photograph a total solar eclipse.  He forgot to take the pictures!  Don’t feel bad if you do something similar.

If you have a camera which can operate automatically, try to set it up ahead of time.

Your basic equipment is a lawn chair and a pair of eclipse glasses.  With just these, you can have a very good experience.

Immediately before and after totality there are many things to watch: shadow bands, motion of the Moon’s shadow, the Diamond Ring and Bailey’s beads.  It would be difficult to see everything in the brief time available.  If you see one or two of these things, call it a good day.

Safety

Please learn how to protect your eyes from the Sun. 

There is a middle road between carelessness and over-caution.  You don’t need to stay indoors and close the curtains!

During the Total portion of the eclipse, you may look at the Sun directly.  You may take off your eclipse glasses when the last remnant of the Sun disappears.  As soon as the Sun reappears, you should put your glasses back on.

#RealSimpleAstronomy