Eclipses

A total solar eclipse is among the most beautiful, extraordinary sights in nature, not to be missed if possible. The sun's corona is visible and has the surrealistic quality of a Dali or Van Gogh painting -- photographs do not seem to capture what the eye may see. One is also struck by the amazing coincidence, almost a miracle, that the moon's apparent diameter can exactly match the sun's. I saw the total eclipses on July 11, 1991 in Mexico, and on August 11, 1999 in France.

Here's a photograph of the August 11 eclipse:

This picture shows the "diamond ring" effect at the start of totality -- solar prominences are also visible. The photograph was taken at St. Supplet, France near Thionville. The region was generally covered by heavy clouds. There was a small patch of blue sky above St. Supplet, but thin clouds moved in just before totality as shown in the picture. This did not prevent seeing the total eclipse, yet obscured the sun's full corona. We had tantalizing glimpses of the corona through the clouds. At totality's end there was another diamond ring effect, and then the clouds above turned a brilliant gold as the sun's edge emerged.

In a ring (or annular) eclipse, the moon is a little farther away from the earth. The corona is not visible -- instead the edge of the sun appears as a very bright ring -- not safe to look at directly but still spectacular with proper viewing precautions. I saw a ring eclipse on January 4, 1992, with the sun setting into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. Here's a photo of it:

To avoid clouds when chasing an eclipse, it is important to have good mobility: a good network of roads and highways, or an eclipse-chasing cruise ship on the open ocean. Because weather is somewhat unpredictable, one must be prepared for disappointment, while hoping for success -- Eclipse-chasing is an adventure!

For further information see the NASA Eclipse Web Site with predictions by Fred Espenak. The next total solar eclipse visible within the US will happen August 21 2017.