#solar astronomy

[oldfrankland]

Jim Ferreira 2023

[myothertardisisonthemun]

In just under 20 days, I am flying to Western Australia to see a solar eclipse.

Because it's so dangerous to look at the sun directly, I've been trying out sun viewing equipment.

Got to find something that won't give me a headache, or worse, damage my eyes.

I got these specialised eclipse binoculars a while ago. They're celestron, a mostly respected brand, and have all the right certifications. They are second hand though.

I feel fine after using them, if a little dazzled - sunlight gets in around the sides . I plan to 3d print something to go around them to block that, which hopefully will make them fine to use.

I have since found out that they're only supposed to be used when an eclipse is nearly at totality. So if you're using some yourself, please do your own research rathet than going of just this post

Even then, I'd like a second option.

This is an Aliexpress solar filter designed for my telescope. I don't trust it on the telescope.

Even holding it up to the sun while wearing sunglasses - (despite my eyes collecting a thousandish times less light than the telescope) - after a short time I feel like I've been at the beach all day without sunglasses.

I will not be bringing this to Exmouth.

Next up is the cheap, but more legit cardboard solar glasses from the astronomy shop in the city:

These use the same baader film tech as the filter above.

Despite being from a reputable source, these still feel too bright, and make my eyes feel funny. Even when combined with sunnies.

Just today, this arrived:

This is a pair of shade 14 welding glass lenses - nasa recommended, and the darkest ones I could get my hands on.

They're perfect.

They turn the sun into a much fainter greenish yellow ball.

It is soooo much easier on the eyes than any of the tools I tried above.

Now what I need to do is go and make something to use them in

[ur-daily-inspiration]

Someone captured the solar eclipse on an airplane

[catchymemes]

Ohio Total Solar Eclipse

[transitranger327]

@nasa I made an eclipse cake with my fiancée @streetsareyours earlier this year I’m already on the “sun-themed baked goods” train

The Summer Solstice Is Here!

Today — June 20, 2024 — is the northern summer solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the longest day of the year and the official start to summer.

We experience changing day lengths throughout the year because Earth rotates on a tilted axis as it goes around the Sun. This means during half of the year the North Pole tilts toward the Sun and in the other half it points away.

Solstices occur twice per year, when Earth’s poles are tilted closest to and farthest from the Sun.

The summer solstice is an important day for cultures around the world, especially at latitudes near the North Pole. Indigenous peoples have long marked the summer solstice with dancing and celebrations. Farmers have relied on the solstice to determine when to plant crops. The solstice’s timing also influenced the development of some calendars, like the ancient Roman calendar and the modern Gregorian calendar.

To mark the beginning of summer, here are four ways you can enjoy the Sun and the many wonders of space this season:

1. Check out the “Strawberry Moon”

June is the month of the Strawberry Moon. This name originates with the Algonquin tribes. June is when strawberries are ready for harvest in the northeastern United States, where the Algonquin people traditionally live. The full Strawberry Moon this year happens tomorrow night — June 21, 2024. Grab a pair of binoculars to see it in detail.

2. Celebrate the Heliophysics Big Year!

During the Heliophysics Big Year, we are challenging you to participate in as many Sun-related activities as you can. This month’s theme is performance art. We’re looking at how various kinds of performance artists are moved by the Sun and its influence on Earth. For example, check out this Sun song!

Find out how to get involved here: https://science.nasa.gov/sun/helio-big-year/.

3. Listen to a space-cast

NASA has a ton of great space podcasts. Take a listen to Curious Universe’s Here Comes the Sun series to learn all about our closest star, from how it causes weather in space, to how you can help study it! For even more podcasts, visit our full list here: https://www.nasa.gov/podcasts.

4. Make sunspot cookies

The Sun sometimes has dark patches called sunspots. You can make your own sunspots with our favorite cookie recipe. Real sunspots aren’t made of chocolate, but on these sunspot cookies they are. And they're delicious.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[without-ado]

Total Solar Eclipse l April 2024 l U.S. & Canada

Cr. Deran Hall l Rami Ammoun(236) l GabeWasylko l REUTERS l KendallRust l Joshua Intini l Alfredo Juárez l KuzcoKhanda

[floweroflaurelin]

I got the chance to road trip out to the path of totality! My phone camera didn’t do it justice, so I painted what I saw instead 🌞🌚

Here’s the photo I took and the sketch I made with my finger in the notes app while watching it happen 😆

[daily-spooky]

Solar eclipse

[kwistowee]

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE l APRIL 2024

ALFREDO JUÁREZ | RAMI ASTRO | JOSHUA INTINI | KENDALL RUST | DERAN HALL | KUZCOKHANDA | TREVOR MAHLMANN | OTHINGSTODO | NASA | STEVEN RATNIK

[humanoidhistory]

Total eclipse of the Sun, July 1860, illustrated by astronomer Warren de la Rue.

[oldfrankland]

Limb Flare in progress  Jim Ferreira

[spacewonder19]

Saturn and Moon © cosmic_background

[ur-daily-inspiration]

[catchymemes]

Solar eclipse shadows

[nasa]

Follow, follow the Sun / And which way the wind blows / When this day is done ⁣🎶 ⁣ Today, April 8, 2024, the last total solar eclipse until 2045 crossed North America.⁣

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!