Judy's Checklist

One of the people who I have frequently viewed eclipses with has always challenged us afterwards to describe what we saw during the eclipse. This is a good reminder to pay attention and focus on the details of what is happening. Getting the full list will be hard during a short eclipse, but if you get clear skies in 2024 then there is no excuse

30 minutes before totality

I use a common drug store eyepatch on one eye. This dark adapts the eye so I can see more during totality. It also protects one eye in the event I look too early.

10 minutes before totality

• How are the animals reacting Especially the birds
• Notice the shadows Remember what they look like

2 minutes before totality

• Notice the shadows They will be sharpening
• Look for the Moon's shadow It will be approaching from the direction of the track. If there is a distant mountain (or cloud) in that direction it should be darkened

30 seconds before totality

• Notice the shadows They will be nice and sharp.
• Look for the Moon's shadow It should now be visible before the sun.
• Look for shadow bands These will appear as rapidly changing bands of dark and light on the ground. This is a movie showing them.  This flips between two of the frames of the original movie. If you don't see them don't worry. Out of 15 eclipses this was the only time I saw them. The sun angle has to be low.
• Now put on your solar glasses and don't take them off until you confirm that the sun is no longer visible Resist the urge to watch the initial Diamond Ring. If you don't take this advice then you will be seeing the Diamond Ring for the next couple of minutes as your eyes recover

Sun No Longer Visible Through Safety Glasses

Once you just see dark in your glasses it is safe to remove them. When you have confirmed totality remove the eye patch also. Now you are going to be busy. You can use your binoculars or look into your camera.

• Prominences Where are they? Are there any loops? Partial Loops? Any disconnected prominences?

Corona Details

Now it is time to capture your memories of the Corona

• Shape What shape is it? It is round? or does it have streamers? If so, what is the shape, direction, and number. For example It could have multiple lobs
• Color How would you describe the color?
• Brushes Are solar brushes  visible?
• Fine Structure Is the corona uniform  or do you see structure?

Look Around

If you still have time then here are some other things to notice

• Sunset around You Look around you. For a shorter eclipse you will be able to see parts of the sky where the sun is still shining. For example.
• Planets/Stars I am not a big fan of spending time on this, but if they are within about 30 degrees of the sun you will be able to see them by just looking at the eclipsed sun

Time to Say Goodbye

If you are looking through optics when you see a band of red it is time to look away. Now

In a moment you will see the Diamond Ring. You can enjoy for a second or so then you need to put your safety glasses on if you look at the sun after that. Remember to put your camera filter back on not later than 20 seconds after C3.