This being our fourth TSE I decided not to take a camera, telescope or mount. For me, I have witnessed the previous eclipses through the view finder of my camera and I thought it high time I just enjoyed the spectacle of the event. As it turned out a few of the ASSA members who we accompanied had the same idea. One of our team Fraser brought a projection kit which went down really well with the people around us on the cruise ship. We were able to explain to people (many of whom were newbies) what was going on with the eclipse such as pointing out how the sky brightness was steadily changing, first contact on the projection, the phases of the eclipse, sunspots on the projection, how the air temperature was slowly changing, the shadows we cast becoming sharper and eventually seeing the surrounding sunset during totality. Several people came up to us after totality and thanked us for the great information and how it really made the experience wonderful for them. For me this made the eclipse special this time around.
Incidentally, I spoke to a chap before totality and he asked me what would be his reaction and whether he would cry. Since he looked a little rough around the edges I said that you can never predict peoples reactions after seeing totality. I asked him to return after totality and tell me his experience. He did come back and he told me he was dumbfounded and did cry a little. I thought this was great as this sort of reaction usually means that people become hooked on the possibility of seeing another total. In fact that was his words at first. "When is the next one". Something I have heard many times now.
Anyway I know these images are not exactly solar system but they show a little of our day and how fun it was to share with each other.
Thanks for the write-up Paul. That was en enjoyable read! I like the totality shot a lot too.
I saw a cruise ship out in the Gulf before and during the event, might have been youse? I used it to confirm unfiltered infinity focus with the scope riding an EQ mount but couldn't make out any IISers.
