Solar Eclipse Sequence

Here is a sequence image showing the partial phases before and after totality.  Photos from my Canon 70D operating with a Phottix Aion Wireless Timer and Shutter Release taking a photo every 10 minutes. The total phase image was inserted into the sequence after all photos were taken.  The third from last image is missing due to cloud cover at that time.

High Detail HDR of Corona

Here is a re-process of the eclipse image set with an emphasis on getting the fine detailed structure of the corona more visible.  The brightness is decreased in this process as well as the extent of the corona.

HDR Enhanced Photo of the Sun's Corona

Here is my first HDR (High Dynamic Range) image of the eclipse.  This image  was a 9 exposure bracketed run of images ranging from 1/4 sec to 1/1000 sec at ISO200 designed to bring out the subtlety of the sun's corona (shows approximately what the human eye was able to see).

All images were taken with a Canon 50D attached to a William Optics 102mm APO refractor mounted on an iOptron iEQ30 mount.  The processing was accomplished with PixInsight and Paint Shop Pro.

Eclipse (HDR Image)
August 21, 2017
Canon 50D on WO GT102 at f/5.5

Complete details, for those interested, will be in a future blog.

Total Eclipse 2017 - Initial Photo from Salem, SC

Well, I finally got to see my first total eclipse of the sun, and WOW ... fantastic.  Words can't describe the images of the sun blacked out, the diamond ring was awesome - photos don't do it justice.

I'll post more info on the effect later, but here is the first single exposure, unprocessed image of the eclipse about 20 sec or so past mid-eclipse.  Later I'll explain why I don't have images when it started!!

Efficient Hydrogen Fuel Cells May Be Possible Afterall

Science Photo/Adobe Stock

The promise of cheap energy via the Hydrogen Fuel Cell has just become more of a reality thanks to a serendipitous discovery!  Researchers at the US Army Aberdeen Proving Ground Research Laboratory were developing a high-strength aluminum alloy when they made a startling discovery - water poured over its surface started bubbling and producing hydrogen gas. And it kept producing gas contrary to the typical reaction where aluminum exposed to water oxidizes, creating a protective barrier to prevent further reactions from occurring.

See the complete story at:  Science Alert

Are you ready for the Solar Eclipse?

Unless you've been completely out of touch with news of any kind you should be aware that there is going to be an eclipse of the sun on Monday, August 21, 2017.  Much of the US will experience a Total Eclipse as the map below shows.

Sky and Telescope

For those fortunate enough to be in the eclipse's path, you are in for a real treat.  There is nothing that matches a total solar eclipse. I have yet to see one - but this year I'm expecting to, weather permitting.

There are lots of internet sites that will explain the whole story about eclipses, so I'm not going to spend time here explaining it. Just Google "Eclipse 2017" and I'm sure you'll get a boatload.  I've added a link to Sky And Telescope which has a lot of good info.

If you are staying in the Maryland area, around Baltimore/Washington you will see a partial eclipse, reaching about 80% at the peak.  Times are:

Start:            1:18 PM
Maximum:   2:42 PM
End:             4:01 PM

Remember to use eye protection during the eclipse.

Sky and Telescope Magazine has a lot of good information on the eclipse.

I'll post images after the event.