U.S. Solar Eclipse of Aug. 21, 2017

[OmCheeto]

The moon has an orbital velocity of 1.02 km/s, or roughly Mach 3. The Earth at the equator has a rotation speed of a bit more than Mach 1, leaving a difference of a bit less than Mach 2 if the eclipse is directly at zenith. It works with a Concorde - but only close to the equator around noon.

But doesn't the Earth rotate in opposite the direction that the moon travels? edit: No! So wouldn't you add the speeds? edit: again, No! And should we take into account the orbital speed of the Earth around the sun? edit: You can't even figure out which way things are turning, Om. You are hopelessly, rotationally, dyslexic. Just give it up.
This is probably why I just extrapolated the information from the map, as I don't even know which direction things are turning.

Wait!

From following Ceres, I know that the Earth travels counterclockwise around the sun. (30,000 m/s)
And the moon travels counterclockwise, because it shifts to the left every day. (1020 m/s)
And the Earth spins counterclockwise, because the sun appears to move counterclockwise. (460 m/s)
<scratches head for awhile>

Never mind. This is an OFF TOPIC, impossibly hard, homework problem...
<scratches head some more... Maybe if I converted everything to radians/sec...>

Nope! I can feel an aneurysm in my brain throbbing...

My list continues to grow...

As does mine. Thanks for the reminder. I've actually been researching this since at least March 10th, and am realizing that I'm not even close to being prepared.

I noticed yesterday in another thread, regarding photographing the sun,

using only an ND4 metallic filter,

that I'll need a special filter. And given that my camera doesn't list what size adapter I need, I had to measure and cut out one of my diffraction grating slide thingys. I think it's 42 mm.

ps. Just don't forget to put fresh batteries in you camera. When I went to the museum to take pictures of the SR-71, I turned my camera on, and it immediately went dead. Fortunately, I had a spare set with me. Always carry spare batteries!

 

[Andy Resnick]

<snip> As does mine. Thanks for the reminder. I've actually been researching this since at least March 10th, and am realizing that I'm not even close to being prepared.

I noticed yesterday in another thread, regarding photographing the sun,

that I'll need a special filter. And given that my camera doesn't list what size adapter I need, I had to measure and cut out one of my diffraction grating slide thingys. I think it's 42 mm.

For solar ND filters, it's (IMO) important to use a reflective filter rather than an absorptive one- all that energy has to go somewhere, and an absorptive filter won't be able to withstand the thermal stresses. Look around to find an inexpensive one like these:

http://search.newport.com/i/1/x1/pageType/q1/Products/q2/Optical%20Filters/q3/Neutral%20Density%20Filters/q4/Optical%20Crown%20Glass%20Metallic%20Neutral%20Density%20Filters/x2/section/x3/chapter/x4/family/nav/1/

I haven't used mylar film, but it's an alternative:

http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/solar_acc/astrosolar

Then there's this:

http://www.instructables.com/id/3-Camera-usable-Solar-Filter/

I would try this before 'show time', tho...

As far as sizing, you can always just tape it to the front of the lens (or to the UV filter, if you have one). Kapton tape is best, since it doesn't leave an adhesive residue.

For the eclipse... I'm not sure what ND would be best- 4 may be too much. Maybe someone here with more experience can chime in...

 

[davenn]

For solar ND filters, it's (IMO) important to use a reflective filter rather than an absorptive one- all that energy has to go somewhere, and an absorptive filter won't be able to withstand the thermal stresses. Look around to find an inexpensive one like these:

I would seriously recommend a real solar filter like these ones

http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Solar-Filters/128/catmenu.aspx

I have a smaller diameter one that fits my 150 - 500mm telephoto/zoom lens and a much larger one for the 9.25" telescope
Am sure there will be astronomy shops in UK/Europe and the USA that sell these ones
(Am NOT connected to the seller or manufacturer ... just a VERY happy user of the filters)

I haven't used mylar film, but it's an alternative:

I have often used it in years gone by before I got the above filters ... It's a respectable alternative - around 3 layers will be the minimum
visit a camping store and buy a mylar survival blanket

For the eclipse... I'm not sure what ND would be best- 4 may be too much. Maybe someone here with more experience can chime in...

Everything before totality you need full filtering
in the moments before totality ( to capture the "Bailey's Beads) and through totality you won't need any filtering
Then as totality ends put the filter back on and continue shooting the partial stage

Annular Solar Eclipse I shot from Blenheim, NZ in 1991 using mylar film ... has a distinguishable blue tint

Cairns, Australia 2012 almost totality with Diamond Ring then Baileys beads ... no filter

Totality, no filter, showing some of the Corona ... I could have easily slowed the exposure a bit and got a bit more corona
experiment with exposures of 50th - 100th of a sec and don't be afraid to push the ISO a little to around 200 - 400 to get enough light

hopefully that helps with a few ideas cheers
Dave

 

[Borg]

Thanks to @davenn and @Andy Resnick for the links. I will look through them this weekend.

 

[Borg]

I found out that there is a small store nearby that is a supplier for three major brands of telescopes. There were scopes up to 10 inch on display and they even had a few solar filters that I was able to look at.

The person that I spoke with, admitted that he wasn't very knowledgible about telescopes and the owner wasn't in because of a science fair in DC over the weekend. I definitely plan on going back in the near future to discuss my options.

 

[jtbell]

Another forum that I read has been discussing this eclipse. One person claims that all major hotel/motel chains are now booked solid, out to 200+ miles from Casper, Wyoming.

 

[1oldman2]

I can't decide on being in Lincoln city, Oregon or the middle of Wyoming for this, guess I'll have to see how the weather forecast is looking on 8/21.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2016/preparing-for-the-august-2017-total-solar-eclipse

On Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, a total eclipse will cross the entire country, coast-to-coast, for the first time since 1918. Weather permitting, the entire continent will have the opportunity to view an eclipse as the moon passes in front of the sun, casting a shadow on Earth’s surface. And plans for this once-in-a-lifetime eclipse are underway - scientists are submitting research proposals, NASA is sharing information on safe eclipse viewing with community centers, and citizen science projects are developing.

 

[Vanadium 50]

On Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, a total eclipse will cross the entire country, coast-to-coast, for the first time since 1918.

It was the entire country in 1918, but Alaska and Hawaii have since been admitted.

 

[1oldman2]

It was the entire country in 1918, but Alaska and Hawaii have since been admitted.

Very good point !

 

[tony873004]

It was the entire country in 1918, but Alaska and Hawaii have since been admitted.

Hawaii and Alaska are both 100% consumed by 2017's penumbra.
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEanimate/SEanimate2001/SE2017Aug21T.GIF

 

[nsaspook]

I can't decide on being in Lincoln city, Oregon or the middle of Wyoming for this, guess I'll have to see how the weather forecast is looking on 8/21.

Most of the Oregon people I know that are planning an event will be in the high desert (camping) in central Oregon. From Lincoln city, Oregon to the coast range is very hit and miss that time of year. I plan to near the high desert at the local Indian casino.
http://oregonstarparty.org/

 

[1oldman2]

The new improved Eclipse map is out

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/nasa-moon-data-provides-more-accurate-2017-eclipse-path

 

[russ_watters]

Another forum that I read has been discussing this eclipse. One person claims that all major hotel/motel chains are now booked solid, out to 200+ miles from Casper, Wyoming.

I've booked a house in Wild Dunes, SC:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/W...e3ea98f625af46!8m2!3d32.8108102!4d-79.7315747

I saw a story recently saying Columbia, SC is pretty well booked.

 

[tony873004]

I couldn't find any place in Madres Oregon. The campgrounds are probably full too. No big deal, totality is a 9 hour drive from San Francisco. I'll just sleep in the car if need be, and get a hotel room after the eclipse so I can drive home the next day.

 

[hsdrop]

I'm going to be taking my boy to southern Ill. since we live in southern wisconsin :) Hoping we can find a state camp ground down there to crash at

 

[Chronos]

I live right in the center of the eclipse path, just SE of St Louis. it should be spectacular. This region normally has crystal clear weather in late august. Plenty of campgrounds and motels around here too, and few expectations they will be heavily booked.

 

[OmCheeto]

I couldn't find any place in Madres Oregon. The campgrounds are probably full too. No big deal, totality is a 9 hour drive from San Francisco. I'll just sleep in the car if need be, and get a hotel room after the eclipse so I can drive home the next day.

Madras is probably where I'll be heading.
According to this graph, it's historically one of the best places in the nation to view the eclipse. (least chance of clouds)

The graph is from an interesting website, with WAY too much information: http://eclipsophile.com/oregon/
They have individual pages dedicated to the following regions: Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska & Kansas, Missouri & Illinois, Kentucky & Tennessee, Georgia & the Carolinas.

 

[Chronos]

I also happen to live in the path of the 2024 total eclipse, so double lucky. I will be able to observe both from my own backyard! Unfortunately, the totality in 2024 will only last about 2 minutes, but, I will be older then so it will seem longer.

 

[jtbell]

I've booked a house in Wild Dunes, SC:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/W...e3ea98f625af46!8m2!3d32.8108102!4d-79.7315747

That looks like a nice spot to spend a few days even if you get clouded out. I've visited Fort Moultrie at the other end of Isle of Palms.

 

[1oldman2]

From https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddar...-unique-opportunity-for-science-in-the-shadow
"The first total solar eclipse in the continental United States in nearly 40 years takes place on Aug. 21, 2017. Beyond providing a brilliant sight in the daytime sky, total solar eclipses provide a rare chance for scientists to collect data only available during eclipses. NASA is funding 11 scientific studies that will take advantage of this opportunity."

 

[jim hardy]

According to this graph, it's historically one of the best places in the nation to view the eclipse. (least chance of clouds)

Hmm i think we'll arrange to be at our place in Idaho Falls for August , if Fair Anne feels up for it.

 

[1oldman2]

Hmm i think we'll arrange to be at our place in Idaho Falls for August , if Fair Anne feels up for it.

Speaking of cloud cover, here's a useful graphic.

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170131.html

 

[mfb]

"Sunshine state" Florida...

 

[Helios]

Hello Eclipse People,
Here's the best eclipse photo I've ever seen. It was taken from an island in the Pacific called Enewetak. Yes, where the first H-bomb was detonated.
http://www.zam.fme.vutbr.cz/~druck/eclipse/ecl2009e/tse2009_500_mid/Hr/Tse2009e_500mm_mid.png
I live in Charlotte, NC. My strategy is plan A: drive to mid-South Carolina, or plan B: drive to Tennesse. This I will decide the day before after previewing weather reports. The Carolinas do have loads of cumulus clouds in the summer, more than clear blue skies. Afternoon thunderstorms, day after day, are common. Also, the east and west of the Appalachian mountains always seem to have exactly the opposite weather. Rain here means a drought there, or vica versa.

 

[davenn]

"Sunshine state" Florida...

but it is well outside the totality path

 

[davenn]

I live in Charlotte, NC. My strategy is plan A: drive to mid-South Carolina, or plan B: drive to Tennesse. This I will decide the day before after previewing weather reports. The Carolinas do have loads of cumulus clouds in the summer, more than clear blue skies. Afternoon thunderstorms, day after day, are common. Also, the east and west of the Appalachian mountains always seem to have exactly the opposite weather. Rain here means a drought there, or vica versa.

for your region and anyone else in that area ...

for totality you must be within the purple lines and preferably as close as possible to the red line for greatest eclipse time

Dave

 

[davenn]

Hmm i think we'll arrange to be at our place in Idaho Falls for August , if Fair Anne feels up for it.

good looking spot, Jim

 

[davenn]

My wife and I are considering getting to the USA for this eclipse ... will mainly depend on the availability of finance ( won't get any or much change out of $10,000 for that trip) and leave entitlement from work

hopefully it comes about

Dave

Gosh ... It's almost a year since I wrote that and unfortunately the last 10 months hasn't been kind to me, health wise.
Unfortunately, this Solar eclipse chase isn't going to happen for me. I would have been heading to Carrollton, MO to stay with friends the centreline passes just a few of km's south of their home. ... C'est la vie

maybe if I live long enough, and the world hasn't ended, I will get to see the 2028 total eclipse where the centreline passes over my home in the inner west suburbs of Sydney, Australia.

This eclipse centreline has the distinction of passing over my current home in Oz as well as my
family home area back in Dunedin, New Zealand ... the chances of that must be "astronomical"

Dave

 

[mfb]

maybe if I live long enough, and the world hasn't ended, I will get to see the 2028 total eclipse where the centreline passes over my home in the inner west suburbs of Sydney, Australia.

Europe is not better, where the next one that hits inhabited areas is 2027 in Spain.

To everyone in the US: Expect traffic jams on all major North/South connections. We had the worst traffic jams ever in Germany in 1999, I would expect the same results for the US.

 

[OmCheeto]

...
To everyone in the US: Expect traffic jams on all major North/South connections. We had the worst traffic jams ever in Germany in 1999, I would expect the same results for the US.

Thank you for the warning.
Although population density comparisons might indicate that Oregon might not suffer from this condition:

Germany, population density: 227/km^2
Oregon, population density: 15/km^2​

I would recommend checking with the locals before making plans, if you are coming in from out of town.
Even on a Sunday, I would describe the drive from Seattle to Portland as a traffic jam.
And if Vancouver BC jumps on the road, nobody is going to witness totality.

Anyways, it would appear that NSASpook and I plan on being "on station" at least a day early.

Idaho Falls looks like an ideal location. (population: 59,000)
But for me, it's seems a tad too far to drive. (10.6 hours)
Although...
I lived there once, and Yellowstone(neat place) is just a stones throw away.
And I've a slew of very interesting cousins that live out in Idaholand.
hmmmmm...

 

[mfb]

Germany, population density: 227/km^2
Oregon, population density: 15/km^2

I would not expect the same road density.

 

[OmCheeto]

I would not expect the same road density.

Nor would I, from those numbers. Which is why I said;

I would recommend checking with the locals before making plans, if you are coming in from out of town.

More than half of the population in the state is located in one metropolitan area.
Oregon population: 4.1 million
Portland metro population: 2.4 million

hmmm... weird...
Germany, population density: 227/km^2
Portland metro, population density: 129/km^2 (and traffic sucks here, every day!)

Anyways...
We should get back on topic.

ps. This will be my first full solar eclipse that I'll have been able to witness. So please, EVERYONE, do not mess it up for me.

 

[jim hardy]

I lived there once,

I'll bet you know that landlocked mountain submarine in Arco

"Searchin' for that lost shaker of salt" ?

One might compose some interesting eclipse pictures from nearby "Craters of the Moon" .

 

[OmCheeto]

I'll bet you know that landlocked mountain submarine in Arco

I was driving a bicycle back then, so, no.

"Searchin' for that lost shaker of salt" ?

One might compose some interesting eclipse pictures from nearby "Craters of the Moon" .

Thanks! After my road trip to San Francisco last summer, some young acquaintances of mine described their similar trip, along with a stop at Yosemite.
Although I checked out Crater Lake, and scoped out this summers trip for the eclipse, I apparently did not realize Yosemite(never bin) was just a 3 hour diversion.

This, may be a VERY busy road trippish summer.

 

[tony873004]

Hotels in Oregon are booked, campgrounds are full or are not taking reservations. Eclipse is on a Monday. My strategy will be to leave Friday afternoon. 9 hour drive into Oregon. Shouldn't have much traffic 3 days early. Then just find a nice place to camp off road. Leave Monday afternoon after the crowds.