How rare is a total solar eclipse?  That is not an easy question to answer, especially when pinpointing the next total solar eclipse in a particular place.  When one looks at a map of a series of solar eclipses over any 100 year period, they appear to be a completely random event.  Some are partial […]

In our last post we took a look at methods to project an image of the sun and observing it indirectly.  These options are the safest for viewing the sun and lend themselves well to group observation.  The majority of eclipse chasers, however, will use films and glasses specifically designed for safe direct solar observation. Direct […]

There are several ways to safely view the sun during the eclipse, as an individual or in a group.  Before we delve into those options we need to state the rule that is never to be broken, or even bent.  NEVER look at the sun directly without proper eye protection.  Directly includes binoculars, cameras, telescopes […]

Many states and towns lay claim to being the best spot from which to view the August 21st eclipse.  The true heart of darkness, however, lies in southern Illinois and western Kentucky where the points of maximum duration and greatest eclipse are located. Maximum duration is self explanatory and is marked by a point about six […]