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Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 4:28 pm
by JohnD
I've used projection - a pair of binoculars or telescope directing an image of the Sun onto a white card - to observe a partial solar eclipse and the Transit of Venus (twice). It makes discusison and exposition of the event more social and lively as a whole group can see what's happening, and point out features to all at once. It's also completely safe.

But a total? At totality, can the corona be seen on a projection? Does it need the screen to be under cover to keep out ambient light? The corona is the unique sight of totality - be a pity to miss it.

John

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 4:45 pm
by geckzilla
It is my understanding that during totality it is safe to look directly at the corona. In fact it may be one of the most important reasons for traveling to an area of totality, because to witness it with one's own eyes is like something out of a dream. Alas, I'll have to wait for some other time to see for myself.

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 6:56 pm
by bystander
NASA will have live coverage of the event starting at 9am PT/12 pm ET. It will be covered on NASA TV and CSPAN1. Check your local providers for the channels.

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 9:20 pm
by JohnD
That is not what i asked for.
As I said, projection is 'totally' safe. There is a risk of looking too early or late at the corona. If it were visible by projection, then for instance children could be safe guarded better.

John

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 9:49 pm
by Chris Peterson
JohnD wrote:That is not what i asked for.
As I said, projection is 'totally' safe. There is a risk of looking too early or late at the corona. If it were visible by projection, then for instance children could be safe guarded better.
Obviously, children should be supervised. But it takes a number of seconds of staring at the Sun to do damage, and it's very apparent when totality begins and ends. Nobody should ever be denied the chance to see it; it's truly one of the greatest things a person can ever see. And it's far to dim to see with anything other than the naked eye.

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 10:16 am
by JohnD
"Far too dim"
Thank you, Chris!
John

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 12:09 pm
by neufer


Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 5:03 pm
by JohnD
JohnD wrote:"Far too dim"
Thank you, Chris!
John

Not you, neufer!
John

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 5:53 pm
by geckzilla
I mean, you didn't specify what kind of projection. Art did provide a second answer. I don't see a corona in that cloud cover projection, do you?

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 6:02 pm
by JohnD
Quote, my OP, "I've used projection - a pair of binoculars or telescope directing an image of the Sun onto a white card - to observe a partial solar eclipse"
idDo you want a diagram, geckzilla?
John

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 6:02 pm
by JohnD
Quote, my OP, "I've used projection - a pair of binoculars or telescope directing an image of the Sun onto a white card - to observe a partial solar eclipse"
idDo you want a diagram, geckzilla?
John

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 6:08 pm
by geckzilla
We have no way of being sure that your question, in the second paragraph
At totality, can the corona be seen on a projection?
has any relationship to your binoculars or telescope, as you didn't specify. For all we know, you could be asking about weather projections. For future reference, yes, I would like a diagram. If you could provide a diagram for each post you make, I'd be grateful.

Re: Solar eclipse observation by projection

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 9:15 am
by JohnD
I 'watched' the eclipse on the NASA live stream from Idaho Falls, saw splendid solar prominences at totality and diamond ring as it broke, but no corona at all! Was the camera aperture not reset for totality?

Today's EPOD reminds me of another property of the projection method. During a partial eclipse, 'dappled shade' through the leaves above, instead of casting shadows of the tree cover, shows up as crescents. Nice pic of this on a clapboard house at: https://english.stackexchange.com/quest ... ugh-leaves

John