Photographing a Total Solar Eclipse

In preparation for the 2024 total solar eclipse, Randall Light, M.D. presented a program to the members of the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club and the Bryan Noon Rotary Club during their respective February meetings. His comprehensive presentation included the following topics:

Selection of a date, time, and location based on the path of the eclipse, climate data, and topology
Safely viewing an eclipse
Different ways to view an eclipse with only solar glasses and other basic equipment
Observing partial phase phenomena
Observing interesting and unusual phenomena during totality
Types of photos that can be made during an eclipse
Photographic equipment requirements
How to select a camera, lens, and image scale
Recommended camera settings
How to focus the camera and lens on the sun
Timing of the phases of the eclipse
Timing of the interesting phenomena to photograph during the eclipse
Suggested initial exposure settings for each eclipse phase and phenomena
How to create a composite eclipse sequence in Photoshop
Software to help photograph the eclipse

This is an excellent source for detailed instructions for photographing the solar eclipse. There are images of camera settings to capture the start of the eclipse, totality, and the very end of this rare event. Do you want to put your images together to make a sequential image of the phases? Dr. Light tells you how to prepare your images in Photoshop to do just that!

If you just want to go outside and enjoy the eclipse without taking photos, you can discover the interesting phenomena to see during the partial phase of the eclipse. And, for those who are not familiar with the two events that must happen at the same time to cause a solar eclipse, there are diagrams to illustrate how the sun, moon, and earth produce this astronomical event. There's something for everyone.

Randall Light with his solar telescope and setup

Dr. Randall Light's solar eclipse equipment includes a Nikon D850, 600mm lens, Nikon Z8, 180-600mm lens, SolarLite filters on an AP Mach2.

PDF
Viewing and Photographing Solar Eclipses

BVAC Website
Astrophotography Link
Viewing and Photographing Solar Eclipses

Dr. Light is a retired medical neurologist who became a photographer in 1979 and an astrophotographer in 2013 when he retired. He has written articles, given talks, and received awards for his astrophotography.

Website:
https://RandallLight.com

Contact:
contact@brazosvalleyastronomyclub.org