This video of the November 2012 total solar eclipse was filmed
in Cairns, Australia by Brent Sheriff. The main thing to notice here
(in addition to the drama created by the clouds) is the rapid rise of
excitement in the observer's voices- especially starting at the 3:24
point. Eclipses can be rather slow at first- but the rush into totality
is VERY dramatic- that's one of the reasons why it's an exceptional
experience.
Note the comments of fascination and awe from
the observers throughout totality- and after it ends! (Some NSFW words
at 4:20 and at 4:54)Also note here that Brent and his friends were seeing totality for the first time- the eclipse video that I posted in one of my earlier posts (from Dave Kodama) featured people who had experienced totality several times before that. The excitement is the same- whether it's the first time or not!
Check the video out:
I emailed Brent for his impressions of the eclipse, and he was kind enough to respond:
1. Was this your first total solar eclipse? Yes this was my first!
2. Did you already have a strong interest in astronomy or eclipses before this? I have always had a strong interest in astronomy and the universe and try to follow this and stay up to date as often as I can.
3. What inspired you to go see it? This was happening in my own backyard, and I could not resist the opportunity to see this happen! I'm very glad that I did!
4. What were your hopes/ expectations about the eclipse going into it? All I wanted was to ensure I had a great view and that the skies stayed clear so I could enjoy it completely.
5. How did you enjoy the experience? I literally caught the last flight of the evening to Cairns arriving just after midnight. My friends and I then perched ourselves on a nice hill and waited for sunrise. Leading up the eclipse, it was overcast, and even moments before it, there was a large cloud covering the sun, however literally minutes before the eclipse began, the cloud cleared and the view was spectacular! I flew home only a short time later - so it was a fleeting visit but worth every bit of it.
6. Is there anything that surprised you about it? That no matter how many times you see this on video or on TV, nothing can capture the true awe and experience of seeing a solar eclipse for yourself. Not only is it breathtaking, but you truly realize the power and influence our Sun has when you can see its atmosphere and also realize the tiniest portion of the sun still exposed provides so much light and heat - but the second it is gone, the temperature plummets and you go into darkness. Simply stunning!
1. Was this your first total solar eclipse? Yes this was my first!
2. Did you already have a strong interest in astronomy or eclipses before this? I have always had a strong interest in astronomy and the universe and try to follow this and stay up to date as often as I can.
3. What inspired you to go see it? This was happening in my own backyard, and I could not resist the opportunity to see this happen! I'm very glad that I did!
4. What were your hopes/ expectations about the eclipse going into it? All I wanted was to ensure I had a great view and that the skies stayed clear so I could enjoy it completely.
5. How did you enjoy the experience? I literally caught the last flight of the evening to Cairns arriving just after midnight. My friends and I then perched ourselves on a nice hill and waited for sunrise. Leading up the eclipse, it was overcast, and even moments before it, there was a large cloud covering the sun, however literally minutes before the eclipse began, the cloud cleared and the view was spectacular! I flew home only a short time later - so it was a fleeting visit but worth every bit of it.
6. Is there anything that surprised you about it? That no matter how many times you see this on video or on TV, nothing can capture the true awe and experience of seeing a solar eclipse for yourself. Not only is it breathtaking, but you truly realize the power and influence our Sun has when you can see its atmosphere and also realize the tiniest portion of the sun still exposed provides so much light and heat - but the second it is gone, the temperature plummets and you go into darkness. Simply stunning!
(Thanks goes to Brent for taking the time to respond.)
Remember,
the corona (the white glow surrounding the dark disc) is NOT a white
blob like the video shows- that's the camera not being able to handle
the range of brightness that the corona has. The corona is much more
detailed than that!
It really is an overwhelming experience! Look for an important post in the next several weeks regarding spreading the word about this eclipse. We're coming up on the T- 1 year point!
