Solar Eclipse

Today we went to view the solar eclipse at my school's observatory.  I didn't expect to see so many people there, but of course, it was packed.  They were selling solar viewing glasses for $2, but by the time we got there, they were sold out.  Many volunteers had also brought their own telescopes and were allowing people to take a look, so we stood in line to try to get a glimpse.  It was sunny when we got to the top of the hill where the observatory is located, but after about 15 minutes, the clouds started to show up, partially obscuring the solar eclipse.

Of course, as you know, you should never look at a solar eclipse with the naked eye, even with sunglasses, or even dare to point your camera at it as it can burn the camera sensor (or something on those lines).  But, as we are human, who listens.  Everyone was aiming their cameras at the sun, children were starting with squinted eyes and yours truly would take quick looks when the clouds would roll ein (of course now I have a headache, bravo genius!).

It was a lot of fun though and people were so friendly and nice.  They shared their solar glasses and some even emailed me some pictures from their phone (as my camera battery eventually died...go figure!).

All in all, an exciting and interesting experience (minus the headache, yes I know mother!).

 The telescope inside the observatory wasn't turned on.  

 Someone using the "pinhole" method to see the shadow of the sun.

 When the clouds rolled in, the eclipse was more easily visible with the naked eye and so everyone was cheering and all the cameras were aimed at the sky to try to catch a picture of the moment.  Of course, looking at a solar eclipse behind clouds is not any safer.

  Projection of the sun onto a poster board for all to see.  

My photo of the solar eclipse behind the solar viewing glasses.

Photo a very nice lady sent me from her iphone, post dead camera.  Really cool!