Solar Eclipse Reminders
Under the
SilGro home page for Alan Silverstein and Cathie
Grow
Last update: August 11, 2017 --
Email me at ajs@frii.com
Purpose:
Succinct summary of what to watch for, and what to consider bringing, to
a (total) solar eclipse.
This is derived from many sources. To learn more about any item below,
copy/paste the words to your favorite search engine. If you have
feedback, email me (above).
See also an excellent
prosaic description (with pictures) by Jamie Carter for Sky &
Telescope Magazine.
Reminders:
Watch for:
-
event times across the path before/after local totality
(example here)
-
at the right time:
start any video recording and/or eclipse music;
turn off camera flashes
-
tree leaf crescent shadows and/or collander or small mirror projection
to white cardboard/sheet
-
umbra approach/departure;
horizon views
-
10 minutes out:
temperature drop;
shadow bands;
stars and planets appearing;
animal reactions
-
30 seconds out:
(thin crescent, take a deep breath, clear your mind:)
sharpness of all shadows;
eclipse wind;
midday darkness;
sharp umbral edge across the sky
-
diamond ring (1-2 seconds, crescent diminished to one bright area)
=> Baily's beads (sunlight poking through lunar valleys)
-
totality begins:
red chromosphere on last edge (a few seconds);
prominences/loops (tiny, use binocs)
-
totality:
"eye of God";
"wave of darkness" inexorably passing overhead;
tele/binocular views;
reactions of people around you;
look all around!
-
after totality:
reappearance of chromosphere (briefly), then reverse all above;
check the Web for news/reports coming in elsewhere
Bring:
This is not a universal list. These are just items for you to consider
to create your own personal list. If desired, bring:
- any preprinted maps, charts, etc; clipboard to hold them
- eclipse glasses, welders glass, binoculars (for totality only)
- chairs, tarps, pillows, hiking boots, sun umbrella
- colander, pinhole mirror, punched cardboard, white cardboard or sheet, stand
- jackets, clothing with pockets
Want more?
See also my brief
Solar Eclipse Advice webpage.