The Filtered Sun
Today, I got my solar filter for the upcoming total solar eclipse, next month.
The salesman kindly gave me some tips and we took some photos with the filter. Here is the best one I got:
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Can't wait to see your pics of the eclipse 
I tell you, I can't wait either! I'm really REALLY hoping for some good ones.......or even just one! 
Be sure and post them! 
I just hope for even one good one.
However, very nicely done.
At totality, you won't need a solar filter, but watch out for the diamond ring effect at the end of totality. An accurate clock is a must. Know accurately when totality ends at your viewing site.
Good show, CP!!!
Yeah, I'm aware of when I'll need the solar filter and when I won't.
Not sure I"m quite up on how to know just when totality will end. I'd LOVE to get the diamond ring shot!
Thanks for your encouragement and very kind words!
It is the edge of the penumbra shadow of the moon screaming across the surface of the Earth just at the point of totality. The temptation is to look up at the sun when the money shot happens on the ground. Pretty much all die hard eclipse fanatics agree with that assessment. Apparently it is best if one has some altitude. It moves very, very fast and one apparently never forgets the experience.
I've never seen a total solar eclipse, and I won't be seeing this one.
Good luck, dear Peggy. Grab some corona for me!
That is the Ultimate Goal.
This will be my second total solar eclipse and since I hardly remember the first one, I hope to remember this one, plus get some great photos.
I am no longer young, and I may not be around for the next one, wherever and whenever it is. So this is make or break time for me.
I want to be really ready!
It's been too damned many decades since my astronomy classes. One forgets things and gets ones mix all talked up.
The umbra shadow is the one of totality. The penumbra is the partial eclipse shadow, so called the penultimate umbra.
Look for the umbra shadow crossing the ground just at the moment that totality begins. It's apparently very, very fast. Then, you'll have over two minutes of corona during totality.
I'm sure that there may very well may be some astronomers nearby. Enjoy it all.
As always, my best to you.
As Duke Ellington would often say.
