Just got back from my solar eclipse cruise.
It was fantastic - both the cruise and the eclipse. The eclipse was just like all the photos I had previously seen. The diamond ring, the beautiful corona and prominences. I could even make out the mares on the moon during totality.
Even from the middle of the coral sea, the clouds were a problem. Missed first and third contact due to clouds, and totality was only visible for about 90 secs. But it was just about the most beautiful 90 secs I can remember.
Took a number of photos up to and after totality which I am happy with - BUT in my excitement, I had the camera set on incorrect settings for the totality - very disapointing. Instead of the planned ISO of 800 and shutter speed of 250, dumbo had shutter speed 800 and ISO of 100. Realised my mistake so upped the shutter speed to 1600, thinking I was adjusting the ISO, making it worse.
Well at least I know what I did wrong so for Sydney 2028, I'll be ready.
But overall it was a fantastic experience that I will remember for a very long time.
Clear skies
Rod
