Description
On August 11th, 1999 – weather permitting – millions of people will witness a total eclipse of the sun. The path of totality begins in the North Atlantic Ocean south of Nova Scotia, crosses Central Europe (including extreme south-west Britain), passes through Iran, Pakistan, central India and ends in the Indian Ocean off the north-east coast of India. The last one to be seen on the mainland of Britain was in 1927 and the next will not occur until September 23rd 2090. While there is much to be said for simply looking and enjoying one of the most awe-inspiring sights in nature, in this image-conscious age it is inevitable that many of those hoping to experience the eclipse wish to capture it on film. Whether a simple “fun” camera is likely to be used or a much more advanced camera in the hands of an experienced amateur who knows little, however, about astronomy and more especially solar eclipses, this text aims to advise frankly on what is possible and what is not and ranges widely over such subjects as eye safety and suitable film.
