Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain Charlie
Does anyone know what the light level will be at Palm Cove during the eclipse?
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Lighting level during a total solar eclipse is generally about the same as night time with a full moon.
But it does vary mainly dependant on the duration of totality and how close to the edge of the shadow you are. Palm Cove is relatively close to the centreline so expect about full moon brightness.
It often appears to be darker than that because the light level changes so quickly that your eyes do not have time to adapt. Experienced observers will often use an eye patch over one eye to pre adapt to the darkness and then whip it off at totality.
Compared to brightness on a sunny day that is a factor of about 500,000 or 1,000,000 to 1. Streetlights will often come on during totality (unless they are deactivated) but not always as it depends on what time delay is built into the sensors. Plan on not being able to read any markings on your camera (unless they are illuminated) - practice doing what you want to by feel in the dark beforehand to be sure.
It would be a pity if you felt the need to use a torch in what is a dramatic scene of day turning to night.