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  • Author Author: Jan Cumps
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August 12th eclipse: can I measure it?

Jan Cumps

Tomorrow there's a solar eclipse. In Brussels, it's a partial one. 90%. I'm going to try and measure the light intensity during that event.

image
image source: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/belgium/brussels?iso=20260812

Google's AI:

In Brussels, the Moon will obscure 89.5% of the Sun’s surface (with a peak magnitude of 0.911) during tomorrow's solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Exact Local Timeline for Brussels (CEST)
Because the eclipse occurs right before sunset, timing is critical:
  • 7:18 PM – Eclipse Begins: The Moon first touches the edge of the Sun.
  • 8:13 PM – Maximum Coverage: The peak of the deep partial eclipse occurs.
  • 9:09 PM – Eclipse Ends: The event concludes just minutes after the Sun dips below the horizon.

I'm going to use TI MSPM0 Launchpad. The kit has a light sensitive diode. And the controller (MSPM0L1306) has a good analogue front end.

Current status: do everything :). I don't have the code yet. But I did check out the schematics for the light sensor.

What I'll probably use:

  • that light sensitive diode
  • one of the OpAmps available on the L1306
  • ADC
  • Timer

I'll have to use the OpAmp as Transimpedance Amplifier. It 'll also have to bias the LED circuit. Luckily, there are examples.

I have done this exercise before in 2015, with a Hercules Launchpad.

image

That time, I also took a photo of the sun every so many minutes. It was a clouded day...image

If I manage to get my design working this evening, I'll share the findings in our community.