Total Solar Eclipse 14 December 2020
The total solar eclipse, also being called the South American or Covid19 eclipse, was visible from a narrow path that cuts across Chile and Argentina. People in much of South America and in southwestern Africa had a partially eclipsed Sun.
For me it was a late decision to go and watch the eclipse. Covid19 held back for many eclipse chasers and organizers. Chile opened up their tourism from 07 December onwards. Many travelers cancelled. I decided 21 November to have a go at this total solar eclipse.
International and domestic flights booked, and the aim to join the TEI group in Pucon, a two hour drive from the domestic airport Temuco. Insurance, including Covid19 cover, a negative PCR test (within 72 hours of departure) and health passport (within 48 hour of departure) - all required to enter Chile and arranged.
International flights and domestic flights changed a few times from location to location and with different times. But I got there, with the necessary stops, changes, checks, papers, and controls. Except the luggage. That arrived in the hotel a few days later. Never mind, it was rain, rain and rain.
It was the plan to observe the total solar eclipse with the Lunt35 (hydrogen alpha telescope) with DMK41 CCD camera. Throughout totality and observe the chromosphere as I did in 2016 (see pages on this site).
Plan B - Intercept the path of totality with a Jet. Something where E-Flight specialist John Beattie was working on (supported by Glenn Schneider from home and who could not come along due to health reasons).
For me it was a late decision to go and watch the eclipse. Covid19 held back for many eclipse chasers and organizers. Chile opened up their tourism from 07 December onwards. Many travelers cancelled. I decided 21 November to have a go at this total solar eclipse.
International and domestic flights booked, and the aim to join the TEI group in Pucon, a two hour drive from the domestic airport Temuco. Insurance, including Covid19 cover, a negative PCR test (within 72 hours of departure) and health passport (within 48 hour of departure) - all required to enter Chile and arranged.
International flights and domestic flights changed a few times from location to location and with different times. But I got there, with the necessary stops, changes, checks, papers, and controls. Except the luggage. That arrived in the hotel a few days later. Never mind, it was rain, rain and rain.
It was the plan to observe the total solar eclipse with the Lunt35 (hydrogen alpha telescope) with DMK41 CCD camera. Throughout totality and observe the chromosphere as I did in 2016 (see pages on this site).
Plan B - Intercept the path of totality with a Jet. Something where E-Flight specialist John Beattie was working on (supported by Glenn Schneider from home and who could not come along due to health reasons).
The preparation
At arrival, it barely stopped raining. About 3 days with rain. Day before the eclipse, it cleared. Sun came through. But forecast for Eclipse day was clouds and rain again.
A video conference with the pilots of one of the planes, to get aligned of our wishes, and what was possible. It seemed, it was all possible. John did his homework well and we were on plan.
Sharing an image of the BRAVO plane windows, curved so we can see the eclipsed Sun at height (70 degrees)
A video conference with the pilots of one of the planes, to get aligned of our wishes, and what was possible. It seemed, it was all possible. John did his homework well and we were on plan.
Sharing an image of the BRAVO plane windows, curved so we can see the eclipsed Sun at height (70 degrees)
Eclipse Day
Setting of the day before in the afternoon. Eclipse Day, roads would be blocked and/or held up for Covid checks. Chile was so well organized and prepared. The necessary checks and documentation had to be provided an multiple places and times.
One team stayed in a small place in Petrofquen, the other (me) in Gorbea). Both reasonable distance to the airport next day for the Eclipse flight.
The evening a quick hand held iPhone capture of Jupiter and Saturn getting to its closest (to 0.6 degrees) for 21 December.
One team stayed in a small place in Petrofquen, the other (me) in Gorbea). Both reasonable distance to the airport next day for the Eclipse flight.
The evening a quick hand held iPhone capture of Jupiter and Saturn getting to its closest (to 0.6 degrees) for 21 December.
Our plane - capturing incoming shadow: Ken, Michael, Craig, Jordan, John and myself - each a window, John observing from behind the pilot (flight plan above).
Other plane, not flying to see the incoming flight: Bob, Alson, Tim, Mochin, Agustino (not flying to point B). Leaving about 2 minutes later as our plane. Altitude we reached 35500 ft.
Laying on our back, to observe the eclipse. Just before totality, we could see the Sun high, on each side of the plane (that's how curved the windows were). Clear view, barely scratched, not damped, not frozen.
Other plane, not flying to see the incoming flight: Bob, Alson, Tim, Mochin, Agustino (not flying to point B). Leaving about 2 minutes later as our plane. Altitude we reached 35500 ft.
Laying on our back, to observe the eclipse. Just before totality, we could see the Sun high, on each side of the plane (that's how curved the windows were). Clear view, barely scratched, not damped, not frozen.
The Solar corona was so white, so crisp, so detailed. Not used the small binocular (and of course did not bring in the Lunt Solar Scope in the plane). Just unaided naked eye observation. Strong streamer to the right at 4 o'clock, as well Mercury and Venus. Did not see Jupiter and Saturn to the left. But other streamers to the left. At C2, not an obvious diamond ring, Bailys beads, but a beautiful wide prominence At C3 and before, a clear and sharp prominence and also a more defined diamond ring.
So beautiful to watch, so pretty and long enough to look at all the details. Clear and crisp sky ofcourse at this altitude. No recording, but think totality was somewhere 2m30s to 2m40s.
So beautiful to watch, so pretty and long enough to look at all the details. Clear and crisp sky ofcourse at this altitude. No recording, but think totality was somewhere 2m30s to 2m40s.
Shadow observed incoming right side of the plane and when turned - along with totality, outward (left side of the plane). At the end we even saw the Andes in the distance.