ENJOYING THE ECLIPSE--
At the Warren Rupp Observatory
About 100 people stopped by the observatory at Hidden Hollow Camp on Possum Run Rd., to take a peek at Monday's celestial event with the benefit of some dandy telescopes and informative commentary by members of the local astronomy club.
This likely 12" Dobsonian scope was shielded (light blue cover) with a dark, round viewing filter allowing a reduced quantity of light into the scope for safe viewing. A constant line of visitors kept the scope busy as the eclipse passed by overhead and a helpful operator kept the scope alligned on the moving sun.
Actually, of course, it is the Earth rotating on its axis that causes the ilusion of the sun's movement. The sun actually is holding quite still while our solar system prances around it. On the other hand, given the expansion of the universe a case can be made that anything appearing to hold still, likely isn't. But, I digress.
Several pin-hole camera type viewing devices also got a good workout as visitors passed them around and marveled at the eclipse images captured in these decidedly low-tech devices
...like this Cheerio's cereal box
The aluminum foil wrapped over a cut-out portion of the box top near the girl's right shoulder has a pin hole in it which allows the sunlight to enter the dark box leaving a small image of the eclipse visible on the inside bottom of the box.
Given the flat angle of the box the little girl was having difficulty finding the eclipse image until a helpful adult arrived on scene.
Sue, meanwhile, took a more convential approach to eclipse viewing by peering through specially filtered glasses (below) which allowed viewers to look directly at the sun. Without such a filter the eyes could be seriously damaged in an instant of exposure to the intense rays.
Draping one's self over a lawn chair in the ample viewing area available at the site appeared to hold this lady's interest for much of the event.
I applauded her celestial curiosity.
*Warren Rupp Observaotry* Click on this link and note the public viewing nights on the observatory's calendar. If you show up there one of those nights members will applaud your curiosity too.
An on-line search using the phrase "Pin Hole Eclipse Box" will return lots of sites that explain how to make your very own one of these.
I began to describe this fabrication process then decided this web suggestion was far easier. I'm retired after all.
