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  • Author Author: ninjatrent
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Tracking the Total Solar Eclipse on 8-21-2017

ninjatrent

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      The solar corona at the March 2015 total eclipse over Svalbard. Photo: Judy Anderson. Processing: Alson Wong.

 

 

Warning! Even if 99% of the sun is covered by the moon, the remaining 1% crescent is dangerous to view with the naked eye and can cause serious eye damage or blindness. For information on safely veiwing and photographing an eclipse, please refer to the following links.

 

     https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/eclipsePhoto.html

 

     How to Photograph a Solar Eclipse from Nikon

 

     How to Photograph Total Solar Eclipse 2017 - How to Take Pictures of the Sun

 

     https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/Photographing%20the%20Eclipse%20with%20your%20Smartphone.pdf

 

How can I photograph a total solar eclipse?

 

You will need to purchase a solar filter that will reduce the brightness of the sun so that the light intensity does not  destroy your camera. If you ONLY take a photo at the moment of totality, you will not need this filter, and will be rewarded by being able to photograph the faint corona, which will not be visible if you have the filter in place. Most digital cameras with telephoto lenses of 100 mm or larger will show a disk for the eclipse that will show some detail. As a trial, photograph the full moon at night. It will be the same diameter as the total eclipse, so you can practice on the moon first to get the right telephoto lens combination. There are many places on the internet where you can get detailed information such as Mr. Eclipse http://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/SEphoto.html

 

 

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The following links contain information with regards to the Solar Eclipse of 2017. There are many resources such as high resolution maps, Tracking Software Apps for Smartphones, 2D/3D Printable Pinhole Projectors, veiwing safety tips and much more available from  https://www.nasa.gov/ .

 

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2017Aug21Tgoogle.html

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-maps

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/apps

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/downloadables

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-live-stream

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/event-locations

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-misconceptions

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/2d3d-printable-pinhole-projectors

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-art-projects

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-viewing

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/noaa%E2%80%99s-resources

 

https://eyes.jpl.nasa.gov/eyes-on-eclipse-web-detail.html

 

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/interactive_map/index.html

 

https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4518#

 

My Photos of the 2017 Solar Eclipse

 

These images were photographed with binoculars, solar filter film removed from disposable solar eclipse viewing glasses, and an android smartphone.

I originally constructed an adapter with the solar filter for the Raspberry Pi Camera but it failed a few hours beforehand. I did use a Pi 3 with display to watch the live stream provided by NASA.  At one point the ISS passed in front of the Sun and was visible with binoculars for a brief moment. I was lucky enough to witness this but unfortunately was unable to capture an image of this rare occurrence. I apologize for the quality of the images, my equipment was improvised.

 

 

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This was one of the best of many images. Afterwards I lost the proper alignment between the binoculars and camera lense.

 

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Parents

  • Nice post.

     

    I used to do a lot of solar observing and can recommend the mylar solar filters as being both effective and still provide good visual resolution.

     

    Whatever you use, remember to wear sunscreen, plus I suggest setting up a sun blind to block the direct sunlight and just have a viewing port to stick the telescope or cameral lens out.

     

    Also monitor your gear for heating issues.  Remember, you are out in full sun.

     

    Be safe and enjoy the show.

     

    DAB

  • in reply to DAB

    Hi DAB,

    It looks like you are only a hop skip and a jump from the best spot to view. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

    John

Comment Children
  • in reply to jw0752

    I have limited expectations here in Ohio.

    I mean it will be August, high humidity, pop up thunderstorms and the usual fluffy clouds.

     

    If I was more mobile I would go to my ranch in Colorado.  7500 feet, 300 days of sun/year, good flat viewing area, but that is just too much of a road trip.

     

    If it is clear, I might set up one of my telescopes or mount one of my larger camera lenses on a webcam with the solar filter.

     

    We will see how I feel and the prospects for clear viewing projects clarify.

     

    DAB