The April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: A Teacher's Preparation Guide

​                                                                                                               By Jay Ballauer

So you've heard of this "Great American Total Solar Eclipse" slated to appear near you on April 8, 2024 and you just so happen to be along the path of totality.  Being that the event happens on a Monday afternoon, you decide to slip outside to see what it's all about, but there's nobody around to help you do it.   You ask...

Am I doing it safely?   

Are there any tools to help me view the event?  

Am I in the right place?  

What can I expect to see?  

Moreover, maybe you are a teacher and you have a classroom full of kids that you want to allow to go outside to watch it.   But then you find out that NONE of the astronomy teachers or amateur astronomers are actually on campus; after all, they put in for subs long ago to "chase" the eclipse in the event of bad weather.   This includes me, the author!

But never fear!   I leave you a COMPLETE guide to the April 9, 2024 "Great American Total Solar Eclipse" to assure that both you and your students are well prepared in my absence. 

The Rarity of a Total Solar Eclipse

​Somewhere in the world, there are maybe 2 to 5 solar eclipses with the year.   But every 18 months or so, it might be a TOTAL solar eclipse.  While these do not seem rare, the Earth is a large planet, so any particular spot on the globe only experiences a TOTAL solar eclipse every 350 to 450 years on average. And because the planet is 75% covered in water, finding one can be quite the journey!   

But you could be like some dedicated eclipse "chasers" who won't miss a single one.  All it takes to money and planning be where the event happens, which often times is on an "eclipse cruise" boat somewhere in the middle of an ocean.  

So this means that most people will never be fortunate enough to view a total solar eclipse at their location in their lifetime.  In fact, if you are from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex like me, these are the total (or annular) eclipses that would have been on your calendar if you lived for more than a millennia:
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  • 1057 Sep 01 (Annular)
  • 1062 Dec 03 (Annular)
  • 1394 Jul 28 (Annular)
  • 1557 Apr 28 (Total)
  • 1623 Oct 23 (Total)
  • 1777 Jan 09 (Annular)
  • 1821 Aug 27 (Annular)
  • 1878 Jul 29 (Total)
  • 2024 Apr 08 (Total)
  • 2165 Sep 05 (Annular)
  • 2238 Oct 08 (Annular)

If you are unlucky enough to have one of these pass over your location during your lifetime, then a little driving will increase your opportunity.  For example, the October 14, 2023 annular solar eclipse passed west of DFW, so I packed the car up with my astronomy gear and headed to Midland, Texas, for the event.  How beautiful it is that I won't have to drive at all to see the April event, despite how rare it is? 
Image:  The "Great American" Total Solar Eclipse of 2017
Location:  "Ground Zero" - Walmart Parking Lot, Hopkinsville, Kentucky 
Temperature: Maybe 95 degrees F
Date: August 21, 2017
Scope/Mount: 3" Takahashi FSQ-85ED apo refractor
Camera: Nikon D810a DSLR
Mount: Takahashi NJP Mount
Filters: none
Exposure Info: This is a composite image, with nine individual sub-exposures ranging from 1/3200 seconds to 2 seconds.
"Quite simply, not only is it a transformative experience, it's just too much at the heart of what education is all about; that there is a universe worthy of exploration and understanding that goes far beyond ourselves." 

The Beauty of a Total Solar Eclipse

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But why bother to see one at all?   Don't eclipses happen all the time?   Aren't they all the same? 

Not at all, especially not with a TOTAL solar eclipse, Which is always unique during its "totality" phase.  Moreover, it is an unforgettable, almost spiritual experience for many first time observers.   So if this describes you - and if you are anywhere along the eclipse path - then you really have no excuse to miss what could be a transformative and even life-altering event.     

Unapologetically - I shouldn't have to beg - a solar system body entirely blocking the light from our SUN should be something that anybody would want to see just because, you know, science!   But it's really the incomparable BEAUTY of a total solar eclipse that should inspire your participation next April.   

The event will start slowly, where the moon's silhouette gradually robs us of sunlight until "totality" occurs, something that looks like the image at below-left.  However, upon totality, you should expect an event of singular grandeur and spectacle unlike anything you will ever see in a life-time, similar to the right image below. 

To interpret what we will see, let's consider the drawing of the sun at above.  This is a classic way to represent our nearest star, yet have you ever asked, "Why are their flames?"   Despite knowing that a star is a huge ball of flames, I never get the impression of such during sunset or sunrise, when instead the sun looks like a glowing, circular orb.  In fact, if such flames exist, when would you actually witness them?   Surely it's all a fantasy, right?   Well, a total solar eclipse will show you otherwise!   

The astonishing view shown in the picture below-right is the ever-changing solar corona streaming out from behind the totally black moon. These streams of solar radiation extend out far beyond the surface of the sun itself, and during totality they can appear to stretch amazing distances across the sky!   The heat of these coronal flames are upwards of 2 million degrees Fahrenheit, which is exponentially more than the surface temperature (10,000 degrees Fahrenheit) of the sun itself, a fact that is not yet understood by science.  Not only that, but there will be visible solar prominences to be seen as well.  These will appear visually as small, pink flames extending just outside the sun's moon-obstructed diameter.   These smaller flames are actually plasma loops that arc along the sun's magnetic field lines.  
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The August 2017 Total Solar Eclipse shortly after it began. This image, taken with a dedicated solar telescope, shows solar features not normally seen via any other means. The ever-changing solar surface is never the same, second to second.
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The same eclipse at totality, but this time taken through a normal telescope with NO filters. The coronal streams escaping from the dark lunar disk is one of nature's most incredible spectacles. What will the corona look like for the April 2024 event? You can see it first hand!
And the best part of all this is that THE SUN IS TOTALLY SAFE TO VIEW DURING TOTALITY.   There is no need for eye protection.  And in fact, I shot the right image below of the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse after removing the solar filter from my telescope.   It is safe because the moon blocks all visible, ultraviolet and normally harmful light that, at every other time of your life, would be headed right toward your precious eyes. 

​So fear of your personal safety is not an excuse to miss it.  I can help with that.  In fact, this preparation guide will debunk some of what you've heard about proper sun "safety," showing you how do do most of these observations safely and smartly, giving you full confidence that all involved will have a safe and positive experience.  Likewise, a list of safety considerations and other safety concerns are summarized fully in the SIDEBAR: Proper Solar Viewing Safety at ​right. 

​Outside of "totality," when none of the sun's surface can be seen, safe filters (made specifically for solar observing) MUST be used.  But during totality, free of any eye protection, you will have over 4 minutes to stare in total AWE at our celestial neighbors performing this amazing, jaw-dropping cosmic dance.

​SIDEBAR: Proper Solar Viewing Safety..

Likely from the earliest age your parents taught you to never look directly at the sun.  On the whole, this is good advice.  Our eyes are important and we don't want to damage them.   Likewise, we know to never point a telescope or binoculars at the sun out of justifiable fears that we will burn the eyeballs out of our heads!   

However, there are obviously safe ways to observe the sun. There is no reason to fear for your safety during the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse if the   

1)  Never look at the sun directly without proper solar filters made for the task.  Filters of any type, whether covering your eyes directly or when used with an optical device, must be CE Certified, meeting the standard for ISO 12312-2:2015.  Solar "glasses" should be clearly marked, not only labelled specifically for "direct solar observing," but also marked with the CE certification statement and ISO code mentioned above.  Do NOT make assumptions that any such glasses are safe, especially if you procrastinate and purchase glasses from questionable sources as the eclipse date approaches.

 "Sun glasses" are NOT safe.  These are made to be worn IN he sun, not to look AT the sun.  And even though No. 14 "welder's glass" can be used safely, if such glass is given to you for use during this event, you have no way of verifying if it is what you were told it is!  I wouldn't use it.  Similarly, homemade devices for direct solar viewing should be avoided and NOT trusted. I've seen internet sources giving awful observing advice and suggesting some wacky filter designs.   I would avoid all of it.   The possible exception to this rule would be 3D-printed filters that utilize solar Mylar or "Baadar" "film." These can be totally safe as long as you trust the source and understand the physics at work.  But unless you are a seasoned-observer, then it's best to err on the side of caution ALWAYS.  

2.) Prepare early for the event.  Proper solar safety gear will be sold out months prior to the April 2024 event, so buy only from reputable vendors.   Avoid the temptation to buy (or make) solutions out of desperation immediately prior to the event.  More than likely, there will be plenty of observers near you willing to share their proper solar observing gear during the event.  If you plan on photographing the event, then do your research well in advance to understand proper techniques to use and be ready to accept the possibility that equipment can be ruined through improper use.  Thus, regardless of what gear you do have, even if you know it is proper, acquire it and learn to use it well prior to the event.  

3,)  Inspect the operational health and fitness of solar filters carefully before use.  Many filters, particularly those made of Mylar film (like in the cardboard solar filter glasses), are remarkably thin.  These can be deteriorated or suffer small pinhole damage over time - or even during manufacturing.  Filter material that is excessively creased is the sign that safety might be compromised, so testing this with a bright light source OTHER than the sun can be helpful.  Likewise, many solar filters made to fit optical devices need to be checked for tight fit prior to their use.  I've seen many solar filters made to fit specific telescopes and binoculars fall OFF the telescope during use.  I've had an expensive glass solar filter fall off a telescope and shatter on the ground before.  I've also had a Mylar filter fall off a telescope without my noticing it and was fortunate to suspect something was wrong prior to putting my eye to the eyepiece!   

4.) Use indirect methods of solar observation when possible. It's difficult to hurt your eyes by looking at solar shadows on the ground or when using a variety of solar "projection" techniques.  Many such techniques are talked about in this article.

5.)  No filters are necessary during the "totality" phase of the eclipse. One of the more remarkable things about a total solar eclipse is that it is the ONLY time when direct observation of the sun is permitted; however, the sun must be complete blocked by the moon when doing it.   This means that during the short duration when the moon completely covers the sun you should enjoy this amazing freedom to do something you've been told your entire life that you are not permitted to do.  However, the moment that the sun reappears from behind the moon, please remember that you are indeed MORTAL and the sun will hurt you.  

To conclude, solar safety should NOT be a concern in terms of participation.  This is something everybody can (and will) enjoy.  Teachers and school officials should not be swayed by such concerns.  Please do not deprive ANY student the opportunity to see something he or she will likely NEVER see again, something that could change lives. Teachers pray for such opportunities!   

Quite simply, not only is it a transformative experience, it's just too much at the heart of what education is all about; that there is a universe worthy of exploration and understanding that goes far beyond ourselves.  

Solar Eclipse Basics  

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks our view of the sun, either in part or in full.  This can happen during some "new moon" phases, when the moon and the sun are on the same side of the sky from our perspective (they are on opposite sides of the sky during a full moon).  Note that you will never see the moon when they look close together due to the brightness of the sun, but when the moon passes over the sun, its black silhouette will be seen over the sun's surface.   Most such events are only PARTIAL, meaning that the moon isn't perfectly aligned to block the entire solar "disk."  When this happens, the sun will look like a moon-shaped bite was taken out of it.   The size of the "bite" during "maximum eclipse" determines the percent of "partiality" for your location...and in some cases, you could travel a few hours to increase that number.  

Sometimes, when the sun, moon and your earthly location are perfectly aligned, you can experience either a TOTAL solar eclipse or an ANNULAR solar eclipse.   The difference between these two events depends on the apparent diameter of both the sun and the moon at the time of the event.  Typically, the sun and moon look to be mostly the same size when we look up.  This is because while the solar disk is 400 times larger than the moon, the sun is also approximately 400 times further away.  Depending on the exact positions of both objects in their relative orbits, this makes the moon either slightly LARGER than the sun's apparent diameter, as in a TOTAL solar eclipse, or slightly SMALLER, as in an ANNULAR solar eclipse.  For example, if the moon is closer to the earth than typical (closer to perigee than apogee), it will appear larger to us and cover the solar disk completely.  
 
Of course, during an eclipse event, which can last from minutes to several hours, the moon's shadow passes over the earth's surface, darkening the globe over a particular path.   This path is known far in advance...because math...and planning for the event is easily done.  See The Path of an Eclipse below.

The Path of an Eclipse

The path of a total solar eclipse is the area on the surface of the earth that will be under the moon's shadow throughout the event.  Mathematics predicts the both the timing and the location of the shadow's path very precisely.   This is represented by the yellow curves on the motion maps below, which show three of the eclipses featured in this article.  Note that the dark, circular lunar shadow determines the overall path.  This shadow, the umbra, means there will be a totally eclipsed sun for anybody along the path.   Note also the circular shadow gradient extending from the umbra toward the large moving circle drawn on the maps.  This gradually lighter shadow, the penumbra, covers viewers across the continents where the eclipse will be seen only partially.  As such, the closer one is to the solid umbral shadow, the more of the sun will be blocked by our moon. 

The first map (left) shows the path for the August 2017 TOTAL eclipse, pictured earlier in our article.  Tracing a path west to east across the middle of North America, I began my eclipse "chase" the day prior by heading north through Arkansas (where I picked up a dear friend) and then to Missouri, where I hoped to intercept the eclipse path.  However, weather had a different plan for me, requiring me to drive east over night toward Kentucky, where a clear weather window would be.  I settled in a Walmart parking lot in Hopkinsville, Kentucky with nearly 200 other chasers.  The city of nearly 31,000 people swelled to over 100,000 people, according to city government estimates.  This illustrates the economic impact that such an eclipse event can have on a location, which must be taken into account when planning your "chase." 

We were rewarded with the most incredible experience, which also offered the longest duration of totality of anywhere along the eclipse path, making Hopkinsville one of the more desired locations to be.  

In total, it is estimated that 12.25 million people lived within the path of this eclipse, with an estimated 21 million others traveling to the eclipse path to see totality.  Compare that with 31 million people living with the eclipse path for the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, as shown on the map at right.  It's an enormous number and something to keep in mind when planning for the April 2024 event.  In fact, almost ALL lodging or visitor accommodations will have been reserved up to a year prior to the event.  This path of totality will cross over the United States from the tip of Baja Mexico, through the heart of Texas, and up through Maine in the northeast part of the country.  Texas will be host to the longest duration of totally, which is approximately 4 and 1/2 minutes.  
In the center map, we see the path for the ANNULAR solar eclipse which occurred this past October 14, 2023.  This eclipse, so named after the annulus of light that appears at maximum eclipse, traced a path across North America from northwest to southeast, cutting through west Texas just after noon local time.   At over 5 minutes of "annularity," seeing the sun shining around the moon's silhouette as a RING OF FIRE is nothing short of incredible.  I intercepted this eclipse path in Midland, Texas, where I set up at a park, where the neighboring planetarium had a variety of public activities, guest speakers, and eclipse viewings.   

Planning for the Eclipse

PictureDuring the Annular Eclipse the past October 2023, I stumbled upon this Eclipse Day activity at the Blakemore Planetarium in Midland, TX. I also acquired three free eclipse glasses at the Midland Visitor's Center. I stumbled upon this one. How much more events will you find if you search around online beforehand?
As we can see by the amount of interested people travelling to view any total solar eclipse, planning WELL in advance of the event is mandatory.  This is not only limited to lodging and travel concerns, but also for gear purchases as well.  Do not assume you will be able to get eclipse glasses the week before the event, or Mylar filter film to make safe DIY solar filters.  These items will be sold out everywhere, including on-line. 

Likewise, you will need time for activity planning and any DIY (Do it Yourself) items you might be building.   Research if there are eclipse "parties" for that day close to where you might want to go.   Perhaps a local science museum or planetarium has exciting programs that day, including guest speakers (see picture below right).   Are there other teachers or friends planning an event that you can tag along with?   Has your school or district arranged for activities associated with that day - and if not, then WHY not?   Perhaps it's not too late for you to take an active leadership role in making sure your school's kids have this opportunity?   Is there are local astronomy club around to support these efforts or are there clubs along the eclipse path who are advertising eclipse day activities?   

Similarly, this article highlights several activities that might require DIY devices and/or gathering of materials.  You will not only need lead time for solar specific materials or equipment, but also items needed in their construction.  If you 3D printing your own filters, then you wouldn't want to be out of PLA or you might need time to find a good design.  You'll also see many solar projection techniques that require some forethought, material purchases, and execution.  

Weather planning is, of course, critical.  The April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse will occur during the rainiest and cloudiest month in the Texas.  While a school teacher who's on the job may not have travel options, they can definitely have Plan B contingences and activities at the ready should they be needed.   And if you are like me, a school teacher who will be mobile in the event clouds will be a disruption, you will need to plan for multiple sites along the eclipse path should they be needed.  

Equally important, time will be needed for observation planning and practice. Because the eclipse is a timed event, you have ONE shot at certain observations.  You will need time in advance to not only learn what stages of the eclipse might be of interest - particularly as a photographer - but you will also want to budget time and energy to practice beforehand.  This is especially true for somebody like me, who will have an array of complex gear that must be working without fail on the day of the event.   I will even be planning for redundancy with my observing setup in the form of carrying extra, charged batteries, camping equipment, and tarps/covers.   In fact, I have a checklist/packing list ready to follow when I load up for the chase! 

As an newbie solar observer, you will want to practice some observations on the sun days prior to the event. You can learn what sun spots are and watch them over two weeks prior with your solar glasses or filtered binoculars.  You can view online solar videos in "h-alpha" wavelengths to see how active the sun is beforehand.   Or maybe you want to try some basic photography, like doing a wide-field, filters shot with camera and tripod OR taking a picture of "Balley's beads" with a new telescope to achieve a well-timed and well-focused image using your cell-phone.   Oh, and you'll need time to learn what Bailey's beads actually are!  

For teachers, this pre-planning becomes critical, especially if the eclipse is to be a part of a broader unit of study or if it requires lesson planning.   Some of my favorite classroom activities and eclipse-preparation items can be found in the links that follow:  

https://eclipse.aas.org/sites/eclipse.aas.org/files/Eclipse-Activities-for-Educators.pdf

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/tag/search/eclipse

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Activities-The-Great-American-Solar-Eclipse-3294421

https://theowlteacher.com/7-engaging-eclipse-activities/

https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/eclipse-activities-for-middle-school/

Finally, an eclipse party isn't a lot of fun if you are the only one there.  If you plan to to enjoy it with specific people, make sure they know about it!   As an educator, educate.  Learn all about it yourself and then share the knowledge with others.  As an amateur astronomer who is a veteran and host of hundreds of public observing events, I have been experienced sincere gratitude from an untold number of thousands of people who I have given the opportunity to observe with me through my telescopes, binoculars, and real-time video observing displays.  I have had people scream aloud with joy during the middle of the night because they were able to witness things they didn't know you could see.   I have had elderly people weep while seeing Saturn for the very first time through a telescope.   And when I am setup among hundreds of people at an eclipse event, there won't be a person around who doesn't see all my gear setup and ask me a thousand questions.   I am an educator, first and foremost...and the spectacle of the eclipse itself is made all the more wonderful when I count the number of people I impact while doing it.   

Methods for Observing the Eclipse

Once you've settled on your desired observation location, there are a variety of ways to enjoy the eclipse.   Many of these methods do require a little bit of planning, but for the most part are easily accomplished.    I will describe these methods from easiest to most complex, but you should know that even the most archaic method provides wonderful results.  

Nature Observations

​When the sun leaves a shadow on the ground, it takes on the shape of whatever is blocking it.  So you would expect the shadow line left by a building's roof to be crisp and distinct.  But on closer observation, you might notice that there's a feathered edge to it.  The is because there are two parts to any shadow - the umbra, which is the part of the shadow totally blocked by the building, and the penumbra, the part of the shadow only partially blocked by the building.   As such, there is a softness to the shadow edge you might not expect.   

Similarly, when the moon totally eclipses the sun from your location, you will find yourself in the umbra of the lunar shadow.  However those just outside the central path of the eclipse, where the sun is only partially covered, will be in the lunar shadow's penumbra.   

In more of a myopic observation, when the sun is partial eclipsed, the shape of the penumbra changes to match the actual shape of the "bite" taken out of the sun.  This can be clearly seen by looking within the shadows of trees.   When the sun is uneclipsed, you would expect to see the shadows looking like the individual leaves themselves.  However, when the sun is eclipsed, the broken patterns of the shadows show the eclipse shape in repeated patterns through these shadows.   So, the first way to observe the sun through an eclipse is to stand under a tree and look down.  Placing a large white sheet on the ground makes the effect strikingly obvious!

​Another natural observation, known as shadow bands, occur when the moon almost entirely covers the solar disk, both before and after totality.  At these stages of the eclipse, light rays are less dispersed on the ground (more in focus) and the shimmering of the atmosphere causes waves in the light against objects.   The effect of this can best be seen on a flat background (such as a light and uniformly colored blanket laid on the ground).   Just as the earth's atmosphere is responsible for the twinkling of stars at night, in this event the light will shake and roll in somewhat parallel waves.  When seen through tree shadows, the effect can make it look as if the shadows themselves are moving.  Many observers liken it to little shadows "slithering on the ground like snakes." 

As such, without any other preparations, these two phenomena - little eclipses in the leaves and shadow bands -  become something wonderful to experience. 

Indirect Observations

Taking what we understand about the shadow's umbra and penumbra above, it becomes easy to see the eclipse progress by forcing the sunlight through a small hole.   So, students can construct a Shadow Box or Pinhole Camera  by cutting a hole in the end of a shoe box and looking at the shape of the light within.    It is a great and easy project to do, allowing students or adult observers to take more of an ownership in their learning.    But for an easier, quite amazing activity, bring a kitchen colander with you.  The effect is best with circular holes as each hole mimics the shape of the sun; however, I've seen come cool colanders where all the little holes are more fancy shape.  So it looks pretty awesome to see a bunch of Texas-shaped eclipses spread across the ground!  

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Direct Observations

Telescopic Observing

Observations at Totality

Did you know that when the sun is totally covered in an eclipse, it will actually look dark outside?   Certainly, you shouldn't expect it to look like nighttime, but it does indeed get remarkably dark, enough to trigger the sensors of any parking lot light around you, as well as any canine friend you brought with you!   

And because of the darkness, some of the brighter stars and planets will become visible during the daytime.   During the August 2017 Total Solar Eclipse, the planet Mercury was clear seen nearby.   This in itself is a rarity for even experienced astronomers and observers, as Mercury seldom gets far enough from the sun to actually see it, that is unless an observation is made with clear horizons and at greatest elongation (when Mercury appears furthest from the sun).  And even then, the sun has to be below the horizon for Mercury to appear.  For the April eclipse, Mercury, Venus, 

Moreover, when the solar disk is completely covered, the horizons take on a reddish sunset appearance the entire 360 degrees around you, which becomes obvious if you are observing the eclipse from a location where the horizons are clear.  

Most importantly, and likely contrary to what you've heard, the eclipse can be view DIRECTLY during totality.   This means that filters are not necessary.  Cameras, telescopes, and eyeballs alike can take in the entire show as long as ALL of the solar disk is covered by the moon.  
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August 17, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Video...

When you "chase" a total solar eclipse, here is what those activities can look like, captured here by my friend, Ross Lawrence, who travelled with me to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where the eclipse path aligned with great weather to give the longest show around - 1 minute and 40 seconds of totality!

Trying to capture a total solar eclipse is fraught with peril.   In this video, you will see me dancing on the fine line of trying to execute my images while also trying to enjoy the moment.  Nothing works exactly like you planned when under pressure, especially when so many people are interested in what you are doing.   

Even so, the video is a neat look at many of the activities of that most special day.   Ross captured the enthusiasm of the crowd so well.  Some of what is seen here are many of the activities I discussed previously. 
PictureI was very pleased to land my image on the cover of the most recent Amateur Astronomy Magazine. The 2017 total solar eclipse was a very special event. Thanks to Charlie Warren, editor of the magazine, for using the image on the cover. Cool stuff!
Subject Notes:  I was treated to the most glorious visual experience EVER with this 2017 Total Solar Eclipse.  My journey took me Hopkinsville, KY, which was essentially "ground-zero" for the eclipse. We were blessed with clear skies and friendly, excited neighbors for the 2 minutes and 40 seconds of totality. 

This is the full solar corona, which is visible during totality. This image is a composite of several images ranging from 1/3200 seconds to 2 seconds. These are put together in Photoshop by uniting the images as a Smart Object and applying "mean" blending to the stack.

The moon details, which aren't visible with the eye during a total eclipse, become visible in a longer exposure due to reflected earth light (earthshine) that illuminates the moon's surface. The wispy details of the jets of particles that stream through the sun's coronosphere - collectively called the "corona" - are details achieved with additional processing.  A tip for PixInsight users: use the Larson-Sekanina process on the stacked image.

Equipment used for this image was a Tak FSQ-85 (without solar filter) and Nikon D810A on a Tak NJP mount.

Special thanks to my friend Ross Lawrence for sharing the journey with me...and especially my wife, Helen, and kids for pardoning my absence from home.
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My interview for a Bowling Green, Kentucky, news station...

One of the cool things about having a nice astronomy setup for the eclipse is that people think you actually know what you are doing!   

My equipment must have gotten the attention of a local television station.  The video below shows an interview that I gave.

The equipment I had setup for the event was a Takahashi FSQ-85ED "Baby-Q" apo refractor, a Coronado Solar Max 90mm H-alpha Scope, three Nikon D810a cameras - don't ask how I managed that - and a Takahashi NJP mount.  I powered off of a large 12v deep cycle RV battery and 2000w Inverter.  

Slide show of event photos...