TOTALITY!!!!

[starfinder]

Hi fellow Singastro members.

I am writing from Antalya in Turkey.

I have just seen the total eclipse of the Sun! About 2 and a half hours ago.

It was simply amazing. The totality took place around 2pm local time, so it was very bright and sunny before and after.

The skies were very clear, except for a few scattered clouds near the Sun which caused some anxiety.

As totality approached, with about 20 minutes to go, everything seemed very strange. It was almost disturbing and worrisome, as if there was something wrong. For although the Sun was fully up, things seemed strangely dimmed. It was a different kind of dimming than the time after sunset.

With 5 minutes to totality, I saw crescent circles in the shade. I think i saw some shadow bands, but cannot be certain.

With about 1 minute to go, I was so excited that I was running about taking photos, videoing, using the filter to look, etc. I did not manage to see the shadow approaching, though.


And then, TOTALITY!!

The skies suddenly became very dark. It was like 7.45pm in Spore, or about 30mins after sunset. Not totally dark, but all around the horizon it was like it is after sunset. All yellowish and orangish. I could still see enough to walk about, but had to be careful.

I only managed to spot Venus, which was very bright and obvious. Could not see Mercury or Fomalhaut.

But the Sun itself was so BEAUTIFUL!!

I could easily see the Corona surrounding the black disc of the Moon, like a black hole in the middle of the sky, with naked eyes and unfiltered 10x binoculars. The Corona was about 3 to 5 times the width of the Sun. I also saw lots of pink prominences with naked eyes, and through the binoculars.

The whole event was so anticipated for days and days, but took place so fast, it was almost in a certain way anti-climatic. I mean, when it came, there was no sound!

It was a profound experience. I am so glad and happy to have seen it, very relieved too that the skies were clear. Thanks be to God for the clear skies and letting me see it. I have had quite so many disappointments before.

Totality lasted about 3 mins and 15 seconds. I managed to see the Diamond Ring effect for sure, but not fully the Bailey's Beads.

I took lots of photos, but will only be able to upload them upon my return to S'pore on Sat. The photos were mostly good. Captured the corona, prominences, etc.

Gavin.
Antalya, Turkey
29 March 2006

[kayheem]

Good for you, Gavin. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for many of us.

Can't wait to see your pics.

Kay Heem

[neoterryjoe]

Wow.. did you take the chance to emulate Eddington and do experiments to prove the relativity?

[MCYM]

Let me extend the warmest congratulation on this fruitful trip, Gavin.
I am certain this fleeting moment will leave a long lasting impression for years to come. Shall look forward to your album of Totality images when you return home.

Meantime, have fun.

Matthew

[Airconvent]

hi gavin....you're the man...
so much energy and enthusiasm....! do load the pictures once you are back...
happy holidays!

[klutz]

*envy* *envy* *envy*

[rcj]

don say anymore gavin.....A R G H!

[HoO_Germany]

Congrats !!!
We had in Germany cloudy sky:( (in that place I live), but now is nice sunny shining...

Maybe you can post some images, Gavin?

Clear skys
Robert

[clittle]

Congrats!!!

[Tachyon]

Wish I was there!