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Have you ever witnessed a total solar eclipse? It's a breathtaking event that leaves spectators in awe. During the 2024 total solar eclipse, I captured something extraordinary that left me puzzles—and perhaps it will intrigue you too.
Let's dive into the day of the eclipse. As the moon touched the sun, a series of photos were taken, each one a piece of a larger puzzle. The goal was to capture the eclipse on one piece of film, a challenge that seemed almost insurmountable. But why did I take on such a task? The answer lies in the beauty and mystery of the eclipse itself.
Years ago, Dr. Gordon Telepun introduced me to the wonders of total solar eclipses. His passion was contagious, and soon, I found myself captivated by these celestial events. In 2017, I attempted to capture the International Space Station transiting the total solar eclipse—a moment that was both challenging and awe-inspiring.
Fast forward to the 2024 eclipse. We gathered with Dr. Telepun and his wife for lunch, discussing the technicalities of capturing the event on film. His idea was simple yet brilliant: use one piece of slide film to capture the entire sequence of the eclipse. But this meant we needed a camera that wouldn't advance the film after each shot—a challenge in itself.
The day of the eclipse arrived, and with it, the moment of truth. Would we succeed in capturing the sequence on one piece of film? As the eclipse progressed, I felt a mix of excitement and terror. Each shot had to be perfect, with no room for error. The pressure was immense.
As the eclipse reached totality, I noticed something unusual—a small object zipping across the sky. Was it a bug? A plane? Or perhaps a satellite? The mystery deepened, and I knew I had to investigate further.
I reached out to Jonathan McDowell, a satellite expert, to analyze the video footage. His initial reaction was that it might be a bug, but the speed of the object made him reconsider. Using the angular velocity of the object and the size of the sun, we estimated its speed and concluded that it could indeed be a satellite.
To confirm our suspicions, I compared my footage with that of Jeff Geerling, a fellow eclipse enthusiast. The object appeared in both our videos, but at slightly different angles. This meant it couldn't be a bug—it had to be a satellite.
After weeks of anticipation, the film was developed, and the results were nothing short of stunning. The sequence of the eclipse was captured perfectly, with each shot in sharp focus. The moment we had worked so hard for had finally arrived.
This adventure was more than just a technical achievement; it was an emotional journey. From the initial challenge to the final reveal, each step was filled with excitement, tension, and wonder. And now, I get to share this story with you.
If you're fascinated by the mysteries of the universe, you're in good company. Join me on this journey of discovery by subscribing to my channel, Smarter Every Day. Let's uncover the wonders of the cosmos together.
The total solar eclipse of 2024 was an unforgettable experience, one that I'm thrilled to have been a part of. From the initial challenge to the final reveal, it was a story of passion, perseverance, and the thrill of discovery. I hope you've enjoyed this journey with me and are as excited as I am about the mysteries that lie ahead.
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