Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010aas...21544504b&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #215, #445.04; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 42, p.411
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
It was a dark and rainy morning, not far out of Shanghai, when we saw the 2009 July 22 total solar eclipse. Many of the Americans puttering around their equipment that morning, in hopes that the sky would clear enough to catch some of event they had traveled around the world to view, were already planning ahead for 2017 August 21, when a narrow strip of the United States will experience up to 2 minutes and 45 seconds of totality. For most people, a total solar eclipse is once in a lifetime event steeped in legend. If you are situated along this privileged corridor, you will have a wonderful opportunity for public outreach. But what if it rains?
Historically, August is mostly sunny at the location of greatest eclipse, near Makanda, Illinois. Even with such favorable circumstances, having a rain plan will ensure you make the most of the occasion.
First, the flexibility to relocate your program to take advantage of the most favorable weather would be ideal. If that is not a realistic option, include some protective gear with your equipment so that you can set up despite misty or drizzling conditions. Second, monitoring changing light levels and temperatures should be possible even under cloudy skies. Third, for some sites, changes in wildlife behavior may also be noticeable. If the weather is clear, such projects could enhance your program during the partial phases of the eclipse and provide enrichment materials for those unable to attend.
While 2017 may still seem in the distant future to all but eclipse fanatics, some creativity and advance brainstorming will ensure that your outreach program shines during the event, even if the Sun does not cooperate.
S. Bell (2009, pc.), HMNAO, provided the eclipse predictions. Additional information is available via USNO Eclipse Portal (http://www.eclipse.org.uk/eclbin/query_usno.cgi).
Bartlett Jennifer L.
Keohane Jonathan
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