Total Solar Eclipse 1999 August 11


The total solar eclipse on the 1999 August 11 was very eagerly awaited. Maximum eclipse from my home, west of Edinburgh, Scotland, was only 82% and the weather prospects on the eclipse track in SW England were not expected to be favourable (as it turned out on the day!).

I travelled to Bucharest, Romania, since it was on the centre line close to the point of maximum eclipse and weather prospects were very favourable. Eclipse day was magical. It was definitely worth the effort to go and witness one of Nature's greatest spectacles - my first total solar eclipse since 1976.
At mid eclipse showing coronal detail. Four second exposure through a 1000mm lens combination at f/16.
Moments before third contact showing numerous prominences and chromosphere. Note the detached prominence at 4 o'clock. 1/30s exposure through the 1000mm lens combination at f/16.
Exit diamond ring. 1/30s exposure through the 1000mm lens combination at f/16.
About 10 seconds after third contact. The sun's dazzling photosphere bursts through and illuminates the thin cloud cover. Note the prominence visible at 7 o'clock and the faint corona on the sun's left side. 1/30s exposure through the 1000mm lens combination at f/16.

Animation

 An animation generated from individual images taken during the eclipse (324Kb).

 

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