240408 - Total Solar Eclipse

^ click image to enlarge ^

ASTRO: 
     type=Solar Eclipse
     dist (Moon)~239 k mi
     dist (Sun)~94 M mi
     size (Moon)~2,158 mi
     size(Sun)~865 k mi
IMAGE: 
     location=EB Driveway, near Tyler, TX
     exposure=DSLR OSC:
        - (filtered) 1/1250s, ISO200
        - (un-filtered, partial) 1/4000, ISO200
        - (un-filtered, Totality) 1/30, ISO200
     camera=Nikon D90 (stock)
EQUIPMENT: 
     camera=Nikon D90 DSLR (stk)
     optics=ES102 w 0.65 rdcr, FL(eff)=464mm, f/4.55
     filter=Spectrum 152mm Solar Glass
     mount=Celestron AVX
SOFTWARE: 
     acquisition=APT
     processing=PhotoshopCC, APF-R, LrC

These images of the Total Solar Eclipse 2024 were captured from Emerald Bay, Texas on Lake Palestine, near Tyler, TX. 

Anticipation had filled the air for months in advance as NASA's forecast map showing where the path of totality would fall.  It indicated the State of Texas would be a huge benefactor; specifically, East Texas with our home town of Tyler lying on the eastern boundary line of the Path of Totality.  NASA's astronomers had communicated it would be another 400 years before Texas might again hold such a prime seat.  We had been studying that map for weeks and preparing the telescope for the event, including outfitting it with a specialized glass solar filter, installing a 0.65x reducer to enable us to capture the entirety of the event in our field of view, and then practicing on the midday sun multiple times to ensure we would get it right.  But as the date got closer, one very important aspect that could put a damper on the event began to make itself known: ... the Weather.  It was, after all, time for "New Moon".  ...with the physics of the Lunar influence on Earth's weather patterns almost always dictates overcast and/or stormy weather.

We came into Eclipse day under a forecast calling for complete cloud cover for the entire Path of Totality in Texas.  That, coupled together with our location being only "just inside" the easterly edge of the Path of Totality (...with Totality forecast to be only 52s long) caused us to begin our day with a definite impending dread of disappointment.  But fortunately, the Canadian RDPS cloud cover forecast model in the Astrospheric weather app kept telling us the clouds might break briefly - right around the anticipated time of the Eclipse - to allow at least some partial visibility.  It gave us a very small glimmer of hope.  After wrestling with ourselves for most of the morning, we finally arrived at the conclusion; ...better to make the effort by setting up the equipment and possibly being disappointed, than to give-up, not make the effort, and possibly be left with the embarrassment of a missed opportunity.  ...So we made the effort.

Then wonderfully, the cloud-break came true, synchronized almost perfectly with the beginning of Partial.  When completed, we had a total of 263 images captured.  Of those, 17 turned-out to be "presentable".  ...and of those 17, we used 15 to create the sequence mosaic above.

As can be seen from these images, clouds were definitely a significant factor.  But as is so often the case with an artistic endeavor like Astrophotography, the clouds actually added a wonderful feeling of "ghostliness" that magnified the mystique and wonderment of the moment.  The string of 11 sequenced images positioned horizontally from left to right capture appx 2.5 hours of time in which we experienced the first moments of Partial to the last bit of Partial on the waning side.  The 5 brighter but less colorful images positioned vertically from top to bottom capture the appx 1½ minute of approaching Totality, and then waning post-Totality, while the solar filter was removed from the telescope.

We did not capture all the aspects we had hoped for; the classic and very illusive "Solar Rays of Totality" are missing, "Bailey's Beads" are only marginally visible, and the "Starburst-Bling" of the "Diamond Ring" did not come-through.  But with all that said, close inspection of the images reveals five (5) separately distinguishable solar prominences, striations created by the mountainous surface of the Moon, and the Solar Corona; ...all are very clear.   ...and the Diamond Rings, both pre- and post- were still truly spectacular.  Overall, and considering the clouds, we have to chalk-up the effort as a success.

The experience has also added to our sense of awe over what God has done for us.  As Totality commenced, we could feel the temperature drop, and everyone in the neighborhood came out of their houses, even the trash pick-up crew stopped, ... all being drawn to look up.   There was no sound... no cars rushing by, no familiar chatter of birds in the trees, not even the usual roar from a nearby busy highway.  Absolute silence filled the air.  For one very profound moment, it was as if we were standing at the very center of God's attention.  ...this IS after all, a direct result of the physical laws and perpetual motion He set in-place in His universe.

This is definitely another most memorable moment in my Astronomical Journey; a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.  - Jim Chase