Autor/es reacciones
Álex Mendiolagoitia
Secretary of the Federation of Astronomical Associations of Spain
I have observed nine total eclipses and one annular eclipse. Based on that experience and on what I have shared with many people and some media outlets, my recommendations are as follows, given the specific characteristics of this eclipse on 12 August:
- Arrive very early at the observation site, which must be a location with a completely unobstructed view of the west-north-west horizon.
- Only use approved filters to view the eclipse. If you do not have any, project the image onto a sheet of paper using a slotted spoon.
- Bring water, food, a cap, sun cream and a folding chair, as you will be out in the countryside in the middle of August for several hours.
- Do not smoke or light fires, and park your vehicle in such a way that you always leave space for an ambulance or the fire brigade.
- Once the eclipse is over, avoid rushing off, as the traffic jam will be massive. That night is the Perseid meteor shower. It’s better to watch them peacefully in the countryside than to be stuck in a traffic jam.
For the media, more specifically.
- Avoid using mobile data due to network congestion.
- It is forbidden to use spotlights to compensate for the lack of light during totality. The last thing an eclipse-watcher wants is to be blinded by a camera spotlight, preventing them from seeing the eclipse.
- Use only approved Baader-type filters for direct camera exposure. If you do not have one, it is better to film a projection, such as the aforementioned ‘skimmer’ method or one using a telescope operated by an expert.
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