Moments before totality : 21.8.2017 (11:33am)
This image is included in a gallery "Sorts of Starry Skies" curated by Demeter Orsolya.
This was taken on 21.8.2017 on a fine day at the football ground of Brigham Young University in Rexburg, Idaho, USA. For the beginning and partial eclipse, a Baader AstroSolar Safety Foil was used before the lens. This foil is CE-tested and reduces the intensity of sunlight by 99.999% (optical density 5.0). This image was taken without the foil, moments before the earlier posting. The coronal filaments are not as long, but the prominences are strong. Near the lower left there is a very thin edge of the sun visible. Beads are not quite obvious, but the irregular contour of the moon is appreciable when looked at closely.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun's disk, as seen in this 2017 eclipse. Solar prominences (in red) can be seen along the limb as well as extensive coronal filaments.
It is safe to observe the total phase of a solar eclipse directly only when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon, and not before or after totality. During this period, the Sun is too dim to be seen through filters. The Sun's faint corona will be visible, and the chromosphere, solar prominences, and possibly even a solar flare may be seen. At the end of totality, the same effects will occur in reverse order, and on the opposite side of the Moon.
Moments before totality : 21.8.2017 (11:33am)
This image is included in a gallery "Sorts of Starry Skies" curated by Demeter Orsolya.
This was taken on 21.8.2017 on a fine day at the football ground of Brigham Young University in Rexburg, Idaho, USA. For the beginning and partial eclipse, a Baader AstroSolar Safety Foil was used before the lens. This foil is CE-tested and reduces the intensity of sunlight by 99.999% (optical density 5.0). This image was taken without the foil, moments before the earlier posting. The coronal filaments are not as long, but the prominences are strong. Near the lower left there is a very thin edge of the sun visible. Beads are not quite obvious, but the irregular contour of the moon is appreciable when looked at closely.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun's disk, as seen in this 2017 eclipse. Solar prominences (in red) can be seen along the limb as well as extensive coronal filaments.
It is safe to observe the total phase of a solar eclipse directly only when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon, and not before or after totality. During this period, the Sun is too dim to be seen through filters. The Sun's faint corona will be visible, and the chromosphere, solar prominences, and possibly even a solar flare may be seen. At the end of totality, the same effects will occur in reverse order, and on the opposite side of the Moon.