Are you ready for one of the most awe-inspiring events the universe has to offer? A solar eclipse is a rare and breathtaking spectacle that only occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align perfectly. As the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth, it casts a shadow over a small section of our planet, creating a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience.
At High Point Scientific, we believe that astronomy is more than just a hobby. It's a passion, a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and wonder that never fades. And there's no better way to experience the beauty and mystery of the universe than by witnessing a solar eclipse.
We want to share our knowledge and expertise to help you understand how to prepare for a solar eclipse, and most importantly, how to witness it safely. We want you to feel the excitement and wonder that comes with witnessing a celestial event that you may only observe once in your lifetime.
Preparing for a Solar Eclipse
Preparing to witness a solar eclipse is an exciting but serious business. It requires careful consideration of timing and location, as well as the necessary equipment to view it safely. Timing and location are critical factors because the visibility and duration of a solar eclipse can vary significantly depending on where you are. For example, during the 2017 total solar eclipse, the path of totality crossed over a narrow swath of the United States, while other areas experienced only a partial eclipse. Checking the time and location of the eclipse can help ensure that you are in the right place at the right time to witness the event. Xavier M. Jubier’s Interactive Google Maps show the exact timing of an eclipse, making this a great tool to help you figure out the time of an eclipse over any given location.
To view a solar eclipse safely, you must use appropriate equipment. Never look directly at the Sun during an eclipse without proper protection. The best way to view a solar eclipse is through eclipse glasses or a solar filter attached to a telescope or binoculars. These filters protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation and make it possible to see the eclipse without damaging your eyesight.
It is important to note that not all solar filters or glasses are created equal. To protect your eyes, make sure you purchase ISO-certified eclipse glasses or filters. Avoid purchasing glasses or filters from unknown vendors, and never use regular sunglasses, exposed film, or homemade filters to view an eclipse. At High Point Scientific, we sell ISO-certified eclipse glasses that you may use to safely observe the solar eclipse!
Should you wish to observe a solar eclipse through something more optically powerful than your eyes, like through a pair of binoculars or a telescope, you’ll need a solar filter. These work in a similar manner to the eclipse glasses, but instead are designed to be secured to the front of your telescope. Before purchasing your solar filter, we strongly recommend measuring the exterior diameter of your optical tube assembly (OTA). An 8-inch telescope doesn’t necessarily have a diameter of 8 inches. While we offer returns on glass solar filters, we do not offer returns on solar filters made of film, so you need to ensure that the exterior diameter of your telescope is correctly measured should you choose to buy a film solar filter. If you’re unsure how to do this, please reach out to our gear experts for assistance.
Finally, be prepared to handle the crowds that may gather to witness a solar eclipse. If you are planning to view the eclipse from a popular viewing location, arrive early to secure a spot and be prepared to deal with traffic and long lines. Bringing food, water, and a comfortable chair or blanket can help make the experience more enjoyable. Remember, witnessing a solar eclipse can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so take the necessary precautions and make the most of this rare celestial event.
Observing a Solar Eclipse
PLEASE NOTE: AT NO POINT DURING THE PARTIAL OR ANNULAR ECLIPSE SHOULD YOU OBSERVE THE SUN WITHOUT EYE PROTECTION! It’s only during the 2-5 minutes of a total solar eclipse that it’s safe to observe the Sun without protection.
How to safely view a solar eclipse with the naked eye
There are several ways you can safely observe a solar eclipse without potentially damaging your eyes. The easiest method is to use ISO-certified eclipse glasses as mentioned above. Another option is to use a pinhole projector, which involves creating a small hole in a piece of cardboard and projecting the image of the eclipse onto another surface, such as a piece of paper or the ground. To make a pinhole projector, you may need to perform the following steps:
- Find a sturdy cardboard box, such as a shoebox or cereal box, and remove any tape or stickers from it.
- Cut a square hole in one end of the box, leaving at least an inch of cardboard around the edges.
- Cover the hole with a piece of aluminum foil slightly larger than the square hole and tape it securely in place using tape or another adhesive. Make sure the foil has absolutely no crinkles.
- Use a pin or needle to poke a small hole in the center of the aluminum foil. The smaller the hole, the sharper the image will be.
- With the sun behind you, aim the box so that the pinhole projects the image of the sun onto the inside of the box.
- Tape a piece of white paper or card inside the box opposite the pinhole. Adjust your position until you see the solar eclipse on the paper inside the box.
Tips for capturing photographs or videos of a solar eclipse
Photographing a solar eclipse can be an exciting and challenging experience for photographers. It is essential to use proper equipment and techniques to capture the eclipse safely and correctly. Broadly speaking, we can break this down into five steps:
- It is crucial to use a solar filter to protect the camera lens and sensor from the sun's harmful rays during the partial phases of the eclipse. Not doing so could potentially damage your camera sensor.
- Use of a tripod is necessary to keep the camera steady during the shoot, especially when using longer exposure times.
- Use manual focus and exposure settings to have better control over the camera's settings (it’s also recommended you know what exposure settings you will be using to photograph certain portions of the eclipse - remember, you have 4 minutes to photograph the eclipse).
- A telephoto lens or telescope with a focal length of at least 200mm or longer can be used to capture the eclipse's details.
- Finally, a remote shutter release or automation software like Digicamcontrol can be used to minimize camera shake and capture sharper images.
For a more in-depth look at how to photograph a solar eclipse, check out our article on How to Photograph a Solar Eclipse!
Witnessing a solar eclipse is a rare and breathtaking spectacle that only occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align perfectly. We hope that we have helped you understand the science behind a solar eclipse, how to prepare for it, and most importantly, how to witness it safely. So, grab your eclipse glasses, plan your location and timing, and get ready to witness a celestial event that will leave you in awe for years to come. Happy viewing!
Learn More
Interested in learning more about solar and lunar eclipses? Not sure where to begin? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
