Sunday, August 2, 2009

Corona with Polar Brushes


This photo shows totality, where the Moon has covered the Sun. You can see the polar brushes delicately framing the corona.

The solar eclipse was brilliant and mesmerizing. Totality during the solar eclipse lasted about 3.5 minutes.

A total solar eclipse happens about once every 18 months. Each eclipse is visible only from a narrow area covering less than 1% of the Earth's surface.

Solar eclipse chasers often travel to remote locations to have the opportunity to see the solar eclipse.

The July 21, 2009 eclipse that I experienced is known as the Saros series because of its long durations of totality. Each eclipse in the Saros series occurs 6,585.3 days (over 18 years) after the last Saros series eclipse. The 2009 eclipse is technically called Saros 136.

The photo of the partial eclipse I showed yesterday requires a solar filter to be placed on your camera lens to take photos. Once totality occurs, you have to remember to remove your solar filter and take photos and watch totality with the naked eye. You put the solar filter back on once the moon starts rising up and the bright sunlight bursts out.

It helps to use a cabled shutter release button to reduce vibration or movement of the camera. Even pushing the button manually on your camera can cause blurriness. I do not like wireless shutter release devices, which require batteries.

The next phases of a solar eclipse to watch for are Bailey's Beads and the Diamond Ring Effect. I was very lucky to capture a beautiful diamond ring photo, which I will post in two days as part of this solar eclipse series.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely amazing! Thanks for telling us how you got the image too. I was wondering! I am loving learning about this and can't wait to see your other shots!

Kate said...

This is a sharp and crisp image. Well-done, and you must be very proud that your efforts produced this clear photo at this momentous occasion.

brattcat said...

This is truly awesome. Thank you, thank you for sharing this experience with us!

Sharon said...

Another gorgeous shot Julie, and some very interesting information.

Meri said...

It inspires total awe. And it's interesting to read about your experience as well. Thanks for the narrative.

glenda said...

Very amazing to get such a shot.

Greensboro Daily Photo said...

What a show stopping, winning photograph. I would only love it more if you told me it were really Chilhuly (just kidding)!!!!

Anonymous said...

Actually hurts my eyes to look at this. Wow.

PAK said...

Eclipse is very interesting. When I saw it last time myself, I hadn't any camera :(

Don and Krise said...

You went on quite a trek to get these shots. So far it looks like a total success. Show us more!

Stefan Jansson said...

very cool indeed.

Bergson said...

you're lucky to see this eclipse

Unknown said...

Both this and the previous shot are perfect! Great job, Julie!

robert said...

Reminded me of how important it is 'to count only the happy hours', something written upon a sundial.
Please have a nice new week.

Carraol said...

Congratulations for your trip, for the extraordinary experience you lived and for these remarkable photographic works. Greetings from MC.

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