TVS presents

   When the solar eclipse darkens Central Europe on August 11, will you know how to record all the nuances on film? You can learn to do just that at our next general meeting. Carter Roberts, renowned amateur astronomer and celebrated world traveler, will visit TVS to share his experiences and expertise.

   Carter has shot eclipses from most continents and many oceans. He can explain the respective nuances of lenses, doublers, filters, and films. In addition, he will discuss the relative advantages of shipboard and  land-based observing locations.

   The moon's shadow makes landfall at Cornwall, England at 10:11 UT and races across Central Europe, to the Indian sub-continent. The final shadow departs Earth at the Bay of Bengal by 12:36.

Enormous streamers, delicate fans, and complex swirls can be captured photographically in the solar corona during a total eclipse. During the Febrary 26, 1998 event, Scott McDonald shot this image from the deck of the cruise ship Dawn Princess. At totality, the vessel was located on the center line between Aruba and Curacao. Scott used a Canon AE - 1 Program SLR camera, fitted with a 80-200mm lens and doubler (400mm), and Kodak Royal Gold 400 film. He mounted the camera to a tripod and shot with a cable release. The exposure time was approximately 1/2 second.

Have your say

   The board of directors is currently considering a number of interesting club matters. This is your opportunity to sound off on any or all of them. On
page 7 you will find a list of hot topics  and plenty of space for adding your comments. Then, detach the last page of the newsletter and mail your input to Tri-Valley Stargazers, P.O. Box 2476, Livermore, 94551.
(Continued on Page 7)

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