Lunt eclipse guide

SUN SAFETY AND ECLIPSE GUIDE Your guide to the 2017 Great American Solar Eclipse

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CONTENT Letter of Introduction from Andy Lunt

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NASA Megacast

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5 Stages of the Eclipse

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What will happen during Totality

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Where to view the Total Eclipse

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Your Eclipse Checklist

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Safety Tips: Eclipse Do’s and Don’ts

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Safety Facts

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Eclipse Facts

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Eclipse SUNsafe Products

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Recommended Products

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Closing Thoughts

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About Lunt Solar Systems

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LETTER OF INTRODUCTION Where will you be August 21st, 2017?

If you’re like millions of others, you’ll be waiting in breathless anticipation to witness one of the most awe-inspiring events our Solar System has to offer, a Total Eclipse of the Sun! Right here in the USA. The continental United States has not hosted a total solar eclipse since 1991, and this one’s a doozy!

An eclipsed Sun will rise over the great state of Oregon at dawn on August 21, and then cuts across another ten states in a southeastward path until it dips its toe in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of South Carolina, just after 2:45 p.m. EDT. Millions of people live along the Path of Totality, and will need to do nothing more than don a pair of eclipse glasses and step outside to witness the event, but millions more will converge on locations along that magical path, making the great American Eclipse of 2017 one of the most observed visual interactions between the Sun and Moon in history.

Witnessing a total eclipse of the Sun is a visceral experience that will never be forgotten, but it is difficult to explain to those who have not had the pleasure of experiencing this awe-inspiring natural phenomena for themselves. You may have seen stunning photographs of a total solar eclipse, but while eclipse images may be stimulating and educational, they do not remotely prepare you for the drama and grandeur of real life. This is true for many of life’s most memorable experiences, but it is especially true for an event that literally transforms the sky, affects the behavior of birds and other creatures, and changes the temperature…all in the course of about five minutes.

Remember to Enjoy the Eclipse.

Cheers, Andy Lunt Owner/Designer Lunt Solar Systems

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NASA MEGACAST Lunt Solar Systems is very excited to announce that we have been subcontracted

by NASA and Goddard Space Flight Center to team with NASA Edge for the Live broadcast of the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse from Carbondale, Southern Illinois. The event is open to the public and will be broadcast locally in the stadium and live via the web.

Visit the Official NASA Edge website for more information on when and how you can join in the fun.

Lunt will be providing a Solar Lab that will house a 20” Heliostat feeding Sunlight to 3 @ 230mm Lunt Solar Telescopes fitted for Hydrogen-alpha, Calcium-k, and White Light. The images will be captured using RED monochrome cameras, processed in real time and broadcast live in 4k.

Check out the Lunt Eclipse website and make sure you sign up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on the construction of our mobile SUNlab.

Here is a low-resolution image taken through the Lunt 230 Hydrogen-alpha scope in “single stack” mode (currently being tested).

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5 STAGES OF THE SOLAR ECLIPSE 1

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Partial Eclipse begins

Total Eclipse begins

Maximum Eclipse or Totality

Total Eclipse ends

Partial Eclipse ends

1. Partial Eclipse begins: The Moon's shadow starts becoming visible over the Sun's disc. When the Moon’s shadow touches the Sun’s edge this is known as First Contact. The small crescent like shape begins to grow as more and more of the Sun becomes hidden by the Moon.

2. Total Eclipse begins: Almost the entire disc of the Sun is covered by the Moon.

Observers in the path of the Moon's umbra may be able to see Baily's beads and the diamond ring effect. This is also known as Second Contact.

3. Maximum Eclipse or Totality: The Moon completely covers the disc of the Sun. Only the Sun's corona is visible. This is the most dramatic stage of a Total Solar Eclipse. At this time, the Sky goes dark, temperatures fall drastically and birds and animals often go quiet.

4. Total Eclipse ends: The Moon's shadow starts moving away and the Sun reappears.

Totality is over. This is known as Third Contact.

5. Partial Eclipse ends: The Moon stops overlapping the Sun's disc. The crescent shadow on the Sun get’s smaller and smaller and eventually leaves the Sun altogether. The point at which the shadow leaves the Sun is called Fourth Contact.

You can only view a Total Solar Eclipse in the path of Totality

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WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING TOTALITY Baily's beads: Seen about 10-15 seconds before and after totality, Baily's beads are little bead-like blobs of light at the edge of the Moon. These happen because the gaps in the mountains and valleys on the Moon's surface allow sunlight to pass through in some places but not others.

Diamond ring: As the Moon moves to cover the entire disc of the Sun, Baily's beads disappear, leaving one last bead a few seconds before totality. At this point in the eclipse, the Sun's corona forms a ring around the Moon. The ring around the Moon and the leftover Baily's bead gives the appearance of a diamond ring.

The Sun's chromosphere: The Sun's atmosphere has 3 layers: the photosphere, the chromosphere and the corona. The chromosphere, which gives out a reddish glow can only be seen for a few seconds right after the diamond ring disappears during a total eclipse of the Sun.

The Sun's corona: Like the chromosphere, the Sun's corona is only visible during a Total Solar Eclipse. It can be seen as a faint ring of rays surrounding the dark Moon during totality.

Shadow bands: About one minute before and after totality, moving wavy lines of alternating light and dark can be seen on plain-colored surfaces. These shadow bands are the result of the light emitted from a thin solar crescent being refracted by the Earth's atmosphere.

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WHERE TO VIEW THE TOTAL ECLIPSE For a global list of locations and times to view the Solar Eclipse, please see NASA’s informational data table. Here are the local mid-eclipse times for some of the major towns and cities along the path of totality. Although many of the areas covered by the path of totality are privately-held, many parks span the path and are open for visits, although you can expect that parking may be a serious problem!

Towns and cities along the path of totality

Public parks along the path of totality

10:17 am

Corvallis, Albany and Lebanon, OR

1. Santiam State Forest, OR

11:34 am

Idaho Falls, ID

11:44 am

Casper, WY

1:00 pm

Grand Island, Lincoln NE

1:08 pm

St Joseph, Missouri

6. Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID

1:09 pm

Kansas City, Missouri

7. Grand Tetons National Park, MT

1:14 pm

Columbia, Jefferson City, MO

8. Shoshone National Forest, MT

1:18 pm

St Louis, MO

10. Shawnee National Forest, IL

1:28 pm

Bowling Green, KY

11. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY

1:28 pm

Nashville, TN

12. Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, TN

2:39 pm

Greenville, SC

13. Nantahala National Forest, NC

2:43 pm

Columbia, SC

14. Francis Marion National Forest, SC

2. Ochoco National Forest, OR 3. Malheur National Forest, OR

4. Boise National Forest, ID 5. Sawtooth National Forest, ID

9. Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, WY

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SAFETY TIPS •• Do plan on going to the path of totality. A partial solar eclipse is cool. But a total solar eclipse is awesome! Join the millions of people who will never forget this experience.

DO’S

•• Do use general sun safety products •• Sunscreen of 50 SPF or higher and a Solar Hat is recommended to protect your skin and head from the harsh effects of the Sun’s rays. Don’t ruin your day with a Sunburn.

•• Do wear protective glasses •• Only use approved “SUNsafe” eclipse glasses products which display the ISO 123122 approval. These SUNglasses have been designed to fully protect your eyes from severe UV ray damage and are individually approved for quality and safety.

•• Only use Solar Telescopes and Filters from well established companies that test each product on the Sun to assure 100% quality and safety.

•• Unsafe filters include; color film, some non-silver black and white film, medical x-ray films with or without images on them, smoked glass, small Solar Filters designed to thread into eyepieces, which are often sold with inexpensive telescopes, can also be dangerous. ALWAYS avoid using eye protection products from unknown sources.

•• Do buy your protective eye equipment early.

•• Do know the stages of the Eclipse.

•• Know the key moments of each phase and about how long each phase lasts in order to know when to safely view the totality of the eclipse.

•• Do remove your glasses during the phase of totality. (This is the ONLY time you can remove your glasses).

•• With these preparations in mind, it is important to remember the rarity and the beauty of the Total Eclipse. If this is your first Eclipse, allow yourself to enjoy the Eclipse and not fuss too much over external preparational factors. It is much better to simply view and experience the eclipse than it is to try and video record the event to view later.

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SAFETY TIPS DON’TS

•• Do not use cheap counterfeit products. The harmful effects of the Sun’s UV rays as a result of using improper equipment may not be felt until hours afterwards.

•• Do not use ANY damaged or broken Solar Equipment.

Check your Eclipse products prior to every use.

•• Do not look directly at the sun’s rays at any time during any partial phase of the Eclipse. It is never safe to look directly at the sun’s rays. Doing so can cause serious and irreversible eye damage.

•• It is not safe to view Bailey’s Beads or the Diamond Ring without proper protection.

•• Do not wait until August, 2017 to purchase your SUNsafe viewing equipment.

Purchase your SUNglasses, SUNoculars, or Solar viewing equipment ahead of time to avoid the risk of it selling out or being back ordered.

•• Don’t wait until the day of the event to familiarize yourself with the use of your viewing equipment. By buying in advance you have time to make adjustments and know what to expect.

•• Do not forget to bring recording materials such as a journal, sketchbook, thermometer, compass, etc to ensure you get the most out of this experience!

•• Do not look at the sun before it is eclipsed or at a partially eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other optical devices.

•• Do not use an optical device without a filter to photograph/record the eclipse.

The sun’s rays could damage your device. However, It is safe to photograph the Sun during Totality without a filter. This is a great way to photograph the Corona.

Remember to replace the filter after Totality.

•• Do not use an unfiltered standard Binocular or Telescope while wearing your Eclipse glasses. The concentrated rays may damage the Eclipse glasses. Eclipse glasses are only safe for direct viewing of the Sun. •• Do not leave your solar equipment unattended. Unattended equipment can be tampered with.

•• Do not assume a partial eclipse will be “good enough”. There is nothing like a total eclipse. If you can find a way to get to the path of totality, you should go!

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ECLIPSE CHECKLIST Protective eye gear: Buy your protective eye gear in advance - they are likely to sell out!

Make travel arrangements: Be sure to have a parking and viewing location planned out in advance in order to avoid traffic delays.

Comfort, skin care, and snacks: Phases of partiality can last around 90 minutes total. Make sure you are prepared to be in the sun before and after the totality of the eclipse by bringing a hat, sunscreen, water, and any other provisions you feel you may need.

Have major times plotted out: Plan ahead to optimize your viewing experience. Know when and where you want to view the eclipse and give yourself enough time to reach your destination.

Reliable timepiece: Carry watch to track the transition of eclipse phases. You don’t want to miss the short window of totality!

Enjoy this incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience: Bring a journal, sketchpad, or voice recorder to help you accurately recall this amazing astronomical event in the future. It may also be fun to bring a thermometer, flag, and compass to observe the changes in wind and temperature that occur throughout the eclipse.

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SAFETY FACTS It is not safe to look at the sun even when only a small part is visible The rods and cones in the human retina are very sensitive to light. The Sun’s surface is so bright that it produces enough light to permanently damage individual retinal cells.

Even during a Solar Eclipse, it is important to wear proper eye protection and give yourself enough time to look away from the sun and put on your protective glasses. Never look to the Sun and then put on your Eclipse Glasses. Always look down, put on your glasses, and then look up. During an eclipse, your eye’s pupil will dilate in order to allow you to see in the dim light. If a sudden burst of light, such as the ray of Sunlight immediately following totality, were to shine into your pupil, it could damage your vision. Be prepared.

How do you know if you have the right type of solar filter?

Eclipse Glasses are sun safe when they contain a high quality and safety certified solar filter that protects your eyes from the Sun’s harmful rays. It is important that your eclipse glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products, meaning that the manufacturers of the products have been certified to manufacture and sell their products after completing all safety and quality procedures. The ISO 12312-2 certification has replaced all previous CE and AS/NZS requirements. Avoid unsafe, cheap, and counterfeit filters. There will be many products hitting the marketplace claiming to be “safe”. Purchase your products from well established manufacturers and retailers. As a reminder, failure to use appropriate filtration may result in permanent eye damage or even blindness!

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ECLIPSE FACTS What exactly is a Total Eclipse?

A Total Eclipse is an event in which the Moon aligns itself directly between the Sun and the Earth. During this Total Solar Eclipse, the Moon will cast the darkest part of its shadow, the Umbra, onto the Earth as the Moon crosses the Sun’s path and blocks out its light. The totality of the eclipse is the moment in which the Sun has been entirely covered by the Moon as seen from a place on the Earth. Totality is the peak point of the Eclipse and can last as long as 7mins, 30 secs before the Sun returns to projecting its full unfettered brightness. Totalities can only be seen in certain parts of the Earth depending on the positioning and time of year of the eclipse, but most places are able to view partial eclipses. The 2017 eclipse will have it’s longest duration of 2 mins, 40 secs at Carbondale, South Illinois. The path of totality will be approx 70 miles wide.

Why do Solar Eclipses occur?

Eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. Total Solar Eclipses occur when the Moon passes directly between the two. The Sun is 400 times larger than the Moon, but the Sun is 400 times further away. (Annular eclipses occur when the Moon is slightly closer to the Earth allowing the Sun to peek around its edge). This difference in size and distance results in the Sun and the Moon having the same angular proportions. Effectively making them “appear” to be the same size in the sky. By holding up your thumb to a full moon you can “eclipse” the moon. Because the Moon is proportionately the same size as the Sun, the Moon can block the Sun during an eclipse.

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ECLIPSE FACTS How often does a Total Solar Eclipse occur?

Solar Eclipses happen on average 2.4 times a year. However, Total Solar Eclipses only happen once every 18 months. This may seem frequent, but this is a global average. If you were to remain in one location in order to view the Total Solar Eclipse, you would only be able to view it once every 375 years. So, unless you travel the world chasing Total Solar Eclipses this really is a once in a lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss. Put August 21st on your calendar and join your friends, family, and the millions of people who will experience one of the greatest celestial events of our lifetime.

How fast will the Shadow move?

Due to the shape of the Earth (sphere) and the path of totality across it, the Moon’s shadow will travel at different rates as it crosses the surface of our globe. The speed of the Sun, Moon, and the Earth do not change. It is the relative speed of the shadow at the ground that changes. In general, an eclipse will travel at about 1,100mph at the equator, and as much as 5,000mph near the poles. The 2017 Eclipse will enter Oregon at approx 3,000mph, slow to a relative speed of about 1,450mph at the center point of the USA, and increase back to about 1,500mph as it dips into the Atlantic in SC.

Why does the Eclipse Shadow move West to East?

We get this question a lot. The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Therefore the shadow goes the same direction... Right?

Actually, the Moon orbits the Earth from West to East at approx 2,100mph. The Earth also rotates from West to East at 1,040mph at the equator. This difference is evident by the fact that the Moon rises later each day. If the Moon and Earth rotated from East to West at the same rate the Moon would appear stationary in our sky. However, because the Earth’s rotation is less than the Moon, the relative rate of the Moon’s shadow is, therefore, 1,060mph from West to East.

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ECLIPSE SUNsafe PRODUCTS What to look for •• To ensure you are fully protected look for Eclipse Glasses that have the 2015 ISO 12312-2 certification. Do NOT use glasses without this certification.

•• ISO approved Eclipse Glasses are very affordable. However, eclipse glasses only provide a small image of the Sun during an Eclipse.

You may opt for higher magnification increasing that WOW factor.

•• It should be noted that the ISO certification only applies to products that are used for direct viewing of the Sun ie: Eclipse Glasses and Solar Viewers. The certification does not apply to Solar Telescopes and Equipment that utilize optical systems.

Telescopes and Equipment are certified to be SUNsafe through a process of Filter Design and Qualification, Independent Laboratory Testing, Bench Testing, and Direct Testing of Finished Products on the Sun by Qualified Personnel.

•• Look to purchasing your Eclipse product in advance from established Solar Telescope and Filter manufacturers and retailers.

Unsafe methods •• Direct viewing. Including direct viewing of the Sun’s reflection.

•• Placing eclipse glasses at the eyepiece end of a binocular or telescope.

•• Welders glass that is less than number 14, if you are unsure that your welder’s glass is a number 14, do not use it to view the Eclipse. Do not use auto-darkening welder glasses.

•• Eclipse glasses made out of mylar. These are often cheap knock-offs from unknown overseas sources.

•• Standard Sunglasses.

•• Colored or medical X-ray film either used or unused.

•• Smoked glass.

•• Solar filters for inexpensive telescope, especially filters that are threaded into the eyepiece. These filters can crack if overheated.

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RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS Lunt Solar SUNoculars 8X Magnification Lunt SUNoculars have a front mounted fully dense white light glass filters making Solar observation 100% safe and of the highest viewing quality. The light of the Sun is reduced to a comfortable ND-5 transmission and all ultraviolet and infrared components are completely and safely blocked by the optical design. Lunt SUNoculars are manufactured to the same standards of safety typical to the entire family of Lunt Solar products – the premier manufacturer of Solar telescopes and filters.

All Lunt SUNoculars are personally tested on the Sun to assure 100% quality and safety.

Lunt Solar mini SUNoculars 6X Magnification Our mini SUNoculars are just as powerful and are the perfect pocket-sized instrument to view and safely observe all partial phases of a Solar Eclipse.

Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses, SUNglasses Our Eclipse SUNglasses are manufactured in Germany and are 100% safe for direct viewing of the Sun and Solar Eclipses. The lenses are made of an exclusive scratch resistant optical density 5, “Black Polymer” material. These shades meet the new ISO 12312-2 (2015) international standard for solar viewers. Eclipse SUNglasses filter out 100% of harmful ultra-violet, 100% of harmful infrared, and 99.999% of intense visible light. These premium filters create a sharp orange colored image of the sun.

More of Our Products •• Solar Telescopes •• Solar Telescope Filters •• Solar Telescope Accessories

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CLOSING THOUGHTS So, that’s enough about the technical and safety of an eclipse….

Not so Fun Fact: In 2015, Germany experienced a major eclipse event. Eclipse Glasses were in short supply in the weeks prior to the event. Social media was going crazy and people were frantically trying to buy/borrow the needed equipment. There are reports that glasses were selling on e-bay for as much as 25 Euros. Once they ran out the Government issues a warning that anyone who did not have eclipse glasses was to stay indoors. Everyone in the USA will witness at least a partial eclipse. Do not be left in the dark without the ability to view the event. Glasses and SUNoculars are currently inexpensive. Get them now.

Fun Fact: Due to the phenomenon of Bailey’s Beads (seen right before and after totality), and the Diamond Ring, totality is often followed by a marriage proposal. The unforgettable and emotional experience of a Total Solar Eclipse is the perfect lead-in to a “yes”. I have seen several proposals.

Andy’s Experience: I have been in the Sun business for almost 25 years. I have experience 2 Totalities. I still remember the surreal and otherworldly feelings I had during the event.

Total vs Partial Eclipse: I am often asked by people. “Will I be able to see the eclipse from my back yard?”. They answer is yes you can but it will be a partial eclipse. The reply is often, “a partial will be good enough.”A partial eclipse is cool, but you can see a partial anytime. No big deal.. We’ve had partials before in the USA. Do you remember them? Everyone will be asking if you witnessed totality...

This is an opportunity for us to easily travel just a few hundred to maybe a thousand miles within the USA to experience this event. It has never been easier…. I’ve had to travel as far as Easter Island, a long journey, but well worth the effort.

“No matter where you end up. Remember to put down the tech and simply look up.”

- Andy Lunt

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ABOUT LUNT SOLAR SYSTEMS

For almost 10 years every single Lunt Solar Product has been American made and individually tested to the highest safety regulations and standards. Lunt takes safety very seriously, and the testing of any filter or scope is done by a person who can take full responsibility for the safety and performance of a solar product. A person who understands the design and function of all safety elements. At Lunt Solar Systems, we do our very best to provide a quality product at an affordable price. We are also very proud to put “Made in the USA” on all our Telescopes and Filter products. Whether you are looking for a dedicated Solar Telescope or a Solar Filter, we are here to help.

Our SUNsafe Products are: •• ISO 12312-2 (2015) certified to meet the standard for direct Solar viewing.

•• Designed, manufactured and independently Sun tested for quality and safety.

•• 100% safe and guarantee the highest viewing quality.

•• We test 100% of our SUNoculars on the Sun and use either ISO 12312-2 certified film in our mini SUNoculars or a combination of ND and IR blocking optical design in our standard SUNoculars.

•• That’s right…. We test ALL our products on the Sun using qualified personnel.

Andrew Lunt Bio With 25 years of optical design, testing, and manufacturing of ultra precision flats, mirrors, filters, and etalon assemblies, and 18 years direct experience with solar related systems, I take great pride in having every Filter personally tested. I do this in order to assure the best quality control possible. This process removes any doubt as to what any issue might be and whether or not they should be addressed. Whether it be alignment, off-band, astigmatism, pinching, pin holes, banding, etc.— none of these issues are overlooked. I feel that if the customer receives the product in the same condition that it left the factory, they will be very 100% satisfied.

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Lunt Solar Systems LLC 2520 N. Coyote Drive, Suite 111, Tucson AZ, 85745 sales@luntsolarsystems.com 1-877-344-7348 (520) 344-7348

Photo credit: Ted Dobosz

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