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An Eclipse Chaser’s Guide to Your First Eclipse

nytimes.com

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Re: An Eclipse Chaser’s Guide to Your First Eclipse

#51

Post by js2 »

Florin_Andrei wrote: post #32
js2 wrote: post #3

I think there are all of four tips in this guide. Mostly it's a profile of eclipse chasers. Tips: 1. Get to somewhere in the path of totality. 2. Get there the day before. (There's already highway signs up near me in NC warning of traffic and I'm five hours away from the path of totality.) 3. Stay mobile if you can to be able to drive to clear skies in case of weather. 4. Don't bother with a camera; just observe as m…

> Don't bother with a camera; just observe as much as you can with your eyes. "Look up (at the Sun), don't look down (at the camera)." I'm actually going to install the full astrophotography stack - telescope, camera, computer, software, battery, etc. But it's all dialed in, it will take a timelapse on its own while I'll kick back and enjoy the show. I only need to remove / replace the main filter at the edges of tot…

I look forward to seeing your time lapse. Thank you for taking the time to record it! :-)

Re: An Eclipse Chaser’s Guide to Your First Eclipse

#52

Post by dboreham »

solutionyogi wrote: post #16

So as someone who did not plan for this monumental event, what are my options to see the totality? I live in NYC and can rent a car.

Beware that cloud cover also affects where you might want to go to view the eclipse. The West (basically Idaho, some of Wyoming) is looking good right now. You could fly from EWR to Idaho Falls round trip for less than $800. The airport is in the the middle of the totality zone so even if you can't find a car or accommodation you'll still see it. Also Jackson, WY but air fare is a bit more to there.

Re: An Eclipse Chaser’s Guide to Your First Eclipse

#53

Post by AnimalMuppet »

munificent wrote: post #45
AnimalMuppet wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The problem with "get there the day before" is that you then have to get back . You might want to do that the day after. (I'm not. I'm getting there two days before, and trying to get back the same day, and I'm nervous about the second part...)

At least if you're late getting back, you miss work. If you're late getting there, you miss the eclipse .

Very true. And if I miss a day of work, there's another one the next day. If I miss the eclipse, there's another one in... eight years.

Re: An Eclipse Chaser’s Guide to Your First Eclipse

#56

Post by Florin_Andrei »

ars wrote: post #42
schoen wrote: post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As discussed on another thread, one of the NASA guides says > One of the most widely available filters for safe solar viewing is a number 14 welder's glass, available through welding supply outlets. https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety.html While there's probably also huge demand for welding goggles right now, a majority of people shopping for eclipse viewing gear might not know that (some) welding eyewear wou…

Potentially unsafe, but it can work: Buy welding googles like these: ($5.29) https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-welding-goggles-set-35... And combine that with a real pressed CD. NOT a recordable CD!! It must be a real, aluminum colored, CD! (And one without a label.) I did this to look at the transit of venus over the sun a while back. Worked fine, but my viewing time was limited. However I must add that they adv…

Those are #10 welding glasses, quite bright.

If you use #14 or even #13, there's no need to stack them with anything. They are sufficiently dark on their own. #14 are even ISO 12312-2 compliant for the purpose of eclipse viewing.

Here's the best information on related topics:

https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters

Re: An Eclipse Chaser’s Guide to Your First Eclipse

#57

Post by Florin_Andrei »

js2 wrote: post #51
Florin_Andrei wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Don't bother with a camera; just observe as much as you can with your eyes. "Look up (at the Sun), don't look down (at the camera)." I'm actually going to install the full astrophotography stack - telescope, camera, computer, software, battery, etc. But it's all dialed in, it will take a timelapse on its own while I'll kick back and enjoy the show. I only need to remove / replace the main filter at the edges of tot…

I look forward to seeing your time lapse. Thank you for taking the time to record it! :-)

It will be up on my channel some time after the event https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIU4rTjkOVHvuucaVDdrhQQ

Re: An Eclipse Chaser’s Guide to Your First Eclipse

#58

Post by overcast »

ytNumbers wrote: post #35
overcast wrote: post #7

I was considering flying down to the Smokey Mountains to do some hiking, and eclipse seeing. But from the sound of things, it's going to be a complete madhouse. Coupled with the prices for everything, and the risk of poor weather(thunderstorms are predicted this entire week), not worth it. The eclipse in 2024 is going to be literally dead center over my house, I think I'll wait it out, and check out the mostly total…

You should re-think your decision before it's too late. April showers bring May flowers.

Except the April showers haven't stopped. It's been raining most of the week for East coast, all summer.

Re: An Eclipse Chaser’s Guide to Your First Eclipse

#59

Post by acomjean »

I remember from past eclipses, one of the interesting things is that all light gets the eclipse shape (light though opening in tree leaves for example).

Someone said a colander makes a good pinhole camera to cast shadows and see eclipse shapes.

(Don't look through the colander at the sun though.)

Re: An Eclipse Chaser’s Guide to Your First Eclipse

#60

Post by theandrewbailey »

sampo wrote: post #25
goda90 wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Be prepared to sleep in the car. If you know anyone along the path, ask to sleep on their lawn or something. Start driving down probably a couple of days out. http://www.eclipse2017.org/2017/maps/whole-us.jpg You probably won't get home Monday.

Flights New York - Nashville for Sunday - Tuesday (I didn't check Monday evening return flights) seem to go at a bit over $1000, and some still available hotels $300 to $1000 per night. Could also check prices to fly to some other cities on the path in the map. Kansas City?

KCI (the airport itself) is in the path. I've been through there recently. Huge place; standing in a parking lot there will be enough to catch it.
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