Eclipseblogging, pt. 2

[andrew_jorgensen]

Another photo from the total solar eclipse of August 11, 1999, this one showing not only the inner corona but that I underestimate the speed with which the Earth rotates.

It is probably only due to Thomas Pynchon's Mason & Dixon that I am intrigued by the upcoming transit of the Sun by Venus. Those who have read the book may remember that the titular astronomers were dispatched to view the two transits made by Venus in the 18th Century from separate locations in an attempt to measure the parallax and estimate the distance from the Earth to the Sun. As I recall, they were sent to first Cape Town and then (ahistorically) St. Helena. Cape Town was more fun.

The transit occurs on June 8, when I'll be in England, where I'll be in a position to watch the whole thing, though I am unsure of whether rahael will be thrilled to have me sitting around staring at the sun for a few hours. Then there is the question of with what to view the transit. I'll bring a few pairs of mylar glasses, but considering that the difference in the apparent sizes of the Sun and Venus is considerable, I can't imagine that I'll be able to make out anything of the transit -- and I really do not want to cart my telescope overseas.

Then there is the slight possibility that London might be hazy or overcast; I can probably put that out of my mind right now. In any case, I will have to check whether anyone will be celebrating the transit with public telescope parties. And if I don't manage to see it, there'll be another one in eight years. I'll put it on my calendar.

Comments

[granpa-pete.livejournal.com]

Maybe try #14 welder's glass duct taped onto a pair of binoculars? Filter the objective and not the eyepiece, of course. With 7x magnification I can see larger sunspots, so it might be enough to see Venus.

[dherblay.livejournal.com]

I've got sheets of mylar from eclipse viewing that work as well. The question is more what do I want to take with me to England (and how much my girlfriend will be thrilled that I'm paying attention to the transit rather than her). I might take my toy Tasco refractor -- it will do the job without taking up a lot of luggage, and is a little less bulky than even my binoculars.

[granpa-pete.livejournal.com]

Oh, sorry, I'm used to different equipment.
When I hear telescope I think "6 inch f/8 dobsonian",
when I hear binoculars I think "7x35" or "8x21",
and when I hear girlfriend I think "appreciative of rare, meaningful scientific events and not excessively needy".

[dherblay.livejournal.com]

My Meade is only 5-inch, but it's on an equatorial. I've tried lugging it overseas before and don't particulary want to repeat the experience.

[rebekahroxanna.livejournal.com]

and when I hear girlfriend I think "appreciative of rare, meaningful scientific events and not excessively needy".
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, in this case, girlfriend doesn't get to spend much time with boyfriend, they being on different continents. And girlfriend is terrific, patient, kind, long suffering. Did I mention wonderful? (This from boyfriend's mother who thinks boyfriend is very lucky.)

[rahael.livejournal.com]

Ha! You're so sweet! I was about to say that the appearance of d'H over in London was in itself a rare scientific event, and that I am indeed appreciative!

But d'H can spend as many hours as he wants staring at the sun.

I'll probably be at work!

[rebekahroxanna.livejournal.com]

The picture isn't too bad. I wish it were wholly on the film though. Is the venus transit a big deal? Should I put it on my calendar? And remind me when the total solar eclipse after 2005 is. I definitely want to put it on my calendar.

[dherblay.livejournal.com]

The Venus transit is more rare than spectacular.

The next major total eclipse is March 29, 2006. 4:07 of totality (at the Libya-Chad border, which I don't think we can get to).

[rebekahroxanna.livejournal.com]

Actually I think it is possible to go to Libya now, or it was a few months ago. When is the Iwo Jima one (or the Yangtze River one) 4:07 is a lot ot totality. It also sounds Easter-ish--a really bad time for me to take off, unless I can persuade folks that it's the Rapture, and my ticket says I'm leaving from there.

what's your email address?

[beastlydead.livejournal.com]

Andrew, I wanted to write you and this is the only way I know how to get hold of you. I'm sorry to hear you're not gonna make the alt-reunion. Send me your email address, please. Ben

Re: what's your email address?

[beastlydead.livejournal.com]

It occurs to me I ought to tell you how. benjaminstrong@earthlink.net