HartRAO Home

HartRAO Home > news > eclipse reports > Tshipise 2002/12/04


Solar Eclipse Tshipise 2002/12/04

Pulane Moroeng teamed up with Dr Jacob Manale of the University of Venda to travel to Tsipise to view the eclipse from within the path of totality. They used the 35mm camera and film given to Univen as part of the eclipse project to record their experience.

tunnel
Click on image for large version

Here the group have stopped at the tunnels under the Soutpansberg mountains en route to Tshipise. Pulane is on the far right.

cloud
Click on image for large version

At the start of the eclipse at Tshipise the group rather optimistically aim their eclipse viewers in the direction of the cloud-covered Sun.

cloud
Click on image for large version

Now just before totality, it has become quite dark, and the flash is needed for the camera to cope with the low light level.

cloud
Click on image for large version

Another view of the dim light shortly before totality.

cloud
Click on image for large version

Totality! The clouds parted just as totality began, enabling viewers to see the "diamond ring" effect at second contact. Here the flash struggles to show more than the white Tee shirts of the excited viewers, it is so dark.

More eclipse reports.