Funnel the sun....

[Helen]

I saw the plans for this before the partial eclipse a couple of years ago and thought it might be fun to try.    https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/Build_a_Sun_Funnel_v4.pdf  So as we're off to the total eclipse in the US next month I've finally got around to trying it...

So, this arrived this morning

containing this

A few minutes with a hacksaw and some sandpaper got to this

Adding projection material to the top and a plossl (no plastic!!) eyepiece to the bottom

And first light 

Works quite well!  There is something not quite orthogonal I think (?) as I'm getting a slight blue fringe one side and orange the other.  Need to get a couple of tube clamps to replace the elastic bands to tighten up the projection material and ensure no movement at eyepiece end too.

 

So this is the reason for no sunspots in sight  - sorry guys!!

Helen

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Nice one! Where will you be in the US?

[Helen]

18 minutes ago, michael.h.f.wilkinson said:

Nice one! Where will you be in the US?

We're staying in Jackson Hole - you?

Helen

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

3 minutes ago, Helen said:

We're staying in Jackson Hole - you?

Helen

We will be visiting Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone shortly before the eclipse, but willbe based south of the eclipse zone in Estes Park on the day of the eclipse. I intend to drive to Glendo, Wyoming at night to avoid the rush

 

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[Helen]

We arrive in Jackson 2 days before - we're still working through options for the actual day though.  Like you, I think getting there in the dark/VERY early is a good idea!  And I'm still stressing on what kit to take.  I'm telling myself I need to decide my priorities - but I want all the memories I can get, without missing being in the moment too!!    (and we're away for a month in total so I need to factor in luggage space/weight for clothes etc!)

Helen

[michaelmorris]

25 minutes ago, Helen said:

I'm telling myself I need to decide my priorities - but I want all the memories I can get, without missing being in the moment too!!    (and we're away for a month in total so I need to factor in luggage space/weight for clothes etc!)

Helen

Why not have a DSLR with something like a 200mm lens on a simple tracking mount (such a Baader nanotracker) and run the camera automatically using a Windows tablet running eclipse orchestrator?  Once set up you should be able to then more or less leave the camera to do it's thing whilst you enjoy the eclipse.  My understanding is that, once set up, your only actions should be to take on and off the solar filter when the audio prompt tells you to.

http://www.moonglowtechnologies.com/products/EclipseOrchestrator/index.shtml

 

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

1 hour ago, Helen said:

We arrive in Jackson 2 days before - we're still working through options for the actual day though.  Like you, I think getting there in the dark/VERY early is a good idea!  And I'm still stressing on what kit to take.  I'm telling myself I need to decide my priorities - but I want all the memories I can get, without missing being in the moment too!!    (and we're away for a month in total so I need to factor in luggage space/weight for clothes etc!)

Helen

I am taking the 80mm F/6 with a travel kit of EPs/wedge and Ca-K + ASI178MM in hand luggage myself. My eldest son would be happy to carry the camera gear: EOS700D + 100-400 L zoom + Kenko 1.5x tele-converter allowing choice from 150-600mm, and a solar filter (plus some lenses for other photography). In the suitcase I will put an EQ3-2 mount with dual axis controller, dual mount bar and a hollow DIY counterweight (see below) that can be filled with sand or nails on the spot. As there are four of us, and we have a luggage limit of 23 kg per person, I can readilybring quite some kit. I intend to align on Polaris while it is still dark, and have everything set up and ticking over well before the real event. I will be using the ASI178MM to image the eclipse in Ca-K (essentially automatically) and focus my attention on the EOS700 image during totality to get the corona. We are also bringing a little ISAW action camera (much like a GoPro) to get a wide-field time-lapse of the event.

[Ceramus]

We'll be taking 10x40 binos, Baader sol  filters, 80mm f5 Celestron frack plus Canon 400 d 80-200 zoom hand luggage and video tripod in suitcase (same gear I took to Lybia and China). Staying at Lander WY with eclipse site at Bass Lake near Shshoni. Anyone heading that way? Later visiting Meteor Crater, Lowell And Kitt Peak Obs, taking in Bryce and Grand Canyons on route.