Total Solar Eclipse — Clemson
The total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 crossed the United States from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic coast, creating a rare opportunity to observe complete solar obscuration within a narrow path of totality that included portions of South Carolina. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, briefly darkening the daytime sky as the Moon’s shadow moves across the landscape. This event represented the first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States since 1918.
At the beginning and end of totality, the “diamond ring” effect appears when a final point of sunlight shines through valleys along the edge of the Moon, producing a bright flare resembling a gemstone set within a luminous ring. This phenomenon is closely related to Baily’s Beads, created by irregularities in the lunar surface that allow small points of sunlight to remain visible for brief moments. The rapid transition from daylight to near darkness also produces unusual shadow patterns on the ground, where small openings between leaves can project crescent-shaped images of the partially obscured Sun.
The experience of totality often includes a noticeable drop in temperature and a temporary dimming of the surrounding environment that resembles twilight. Observations of atmospheric changes and shadow patterns illustrate the alignment of celestial bodies that produces one of the most distinctive astronomical phenomena visible from Earth.
D90 with 80-400mm lens set to 400mm
D800 with 2x Teleconverter and 300mm prime lens
Telescope Photos with iPhone
We met yesterday in Clemson. I would love to get a copy of a couple of photos. How can I do that? Thanks!