Annular Solar Eclipse - Partial for Chicago - May 20

Notrump · 17th May 2012, 12:13 PM

The solar eclipse of 2012 MAY 20 will be annular for portions of the western USA, but will be partial for Chicagoland. The partial eclipse will begin at 19:22 CDT for Chicago observers. By the time that the Sun sets, its diameter will be 61.5% covered by the Moon.

WARNING: To avoid severe damage to your eyes, do not view the eclipse directly. The projection method is recommended.

I’ve created two preview graphics of the eclipse as viewed from Chicago’s Adler Planetarium. The first is for the beginning of the eclipse, and the second is for shortly before sunset. They can be seen at www.CurtRenz.com/moon

Hokulele · 17th May 2012, 12:19 PM

It will be annular over my house. Woo hoo!

GeeMack · 17th May 2012, 01:15 PM

This is plotted (very near approximation) as seen from Peoria, Illinois, at the beginning of the eclipse...

And at just about sunset....

ravdin · 17th May 2012, 01:26 PM

I'm making a road trip to Chico, CA for the event. It will be my first solar eclipse viewing!

Hamradioguy · 17th May 2012, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by ravdin

I'm making a road trip to Chico, CA for the event. It will be my first solar eclipse viewing!

Be warned: When you see this you will want to see a total solar eclipse. When you see a total solar eclipse you will want to see another...and another....and... But for sure you really do want to see at least one total eclipse- truly unforgettable.

Notrump · 17th May 2012, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by Hamradioguy

Be warned: When you see this you will want to see a total solar eclipse. When you see a total solar eclipse you will want to see another...and another....and... But for sure you really do want to see at least one total eclipse- truly unforgettable.

Very true, Hamradioguy. Unfortunately there will be no total eclipse on Sunday. During a total eclipse the Moon completely obscures the Sun. This will be an annular eclipse. That's actually little more than partial eclipse with the peculiarity of the Moon appearing entirely within the disk of the Sun while allowing a ring of sunlight. An annular eclipse is quite interesting though, as will be the partial eclipse we'll be getting in Chicago on Sunday.

I saw an eclipse that was nearly annular from a skyscraper in Chicago in 1994. It was certainly interesting, especially the images of nearly complete rings being reflected off of windows and on to other buildings and the ground. But what's truly breathtaking, as you imply, is a total eclipse. One will pass through southern Illinois in 2017, and I plan to be there.

jj · 17th May 2012, 02:50 PM

I remember back before 1996 there was a total eclipse in New Jersey.

We put up a sheet of cardboard in the window and popped a small hole in it, and successfully managed to project the eclipse on the back wall of the person's office.

The irony of it was that a safety person came around to tell us not to do that because it was dangerous, the guy told about 20 people who, among other things do reserach into vision and imaging, that all viewing of the eclipse was dangerous, even viewed in reflection on a wall in a darkened room, with dark adaptation required to see the image on the wall.

Notrump · 17th May 2012, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by jj

I remember back before 1996 there was a total eclipse in New Jersey.

We put up a sheet of cardboard in the window and popped a small hole in it, and successfully managed to project the eclipse on the back wall of the person's office.

The irony of it was that a safety person came around to tell us not to do that because it was dangerous, the guy told about 20 people who, among other things do reserach into vision and imaging, that all viewing of the eclipse was dangerous, even viewed in reflection on a wall in a darkened room, with dark adaptation required to see the image on the wall.

He probably would have provided a similar warning during a lunar eclipse.

Hokulele · 17th May 2012, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by ravdin

I'm making a road trip to Chico, CA for the event. It will be my first solar eclipse viewing!

That gives you time to take the Sierra Nevada Brewery tour before the eclipse.

We have some relatives coming out from the Bay Area to see it, among other things.

casebro · 17th May 2012, 03:39 PM

Does that mean it will only be visible to those who's mothers think the sun shines out of their ass?

catsmate1 · 18th May 2012, 02:02 PM

There appears to be another thread on this.

Notrump · 19th May 2012, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by Hokulele

That gives you time to take the Sierra Nevada Brewery tour before the eclipse.

Excellent idea!

WildCat · 19th May 2012, 08:10 PM

I'm afraid, what if the dragon doesn't spit out the sun after it eats it?

MG1962 · 19th May 2012, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by WildCat

I'm afraid, what if the dragon doesn't spit out the sun after it eats it?

Well make sure you bang your drum loud enough and you will have nothing to worry about. And if the dragon does eat the sun you will know who to blame

Notrump · 20th May 2012, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by WildCat

I'm afraid, what if the dragon doesn't spit out the sun after it eats it?

Load up on groceries, get plenty of warm clothes, have a flashlight handy, and make sure your heating bill has been paid.

BenBurch · 20th May 2012, 11:59 AM

100% cloud cover predicted for NE Kane County at that hour.

Bah.

BenBurch · 20th May 2012, 02:06 PM

Still sunny here, but the clouds are about 15 miles west. Would spoil the horizon if nothing else.

I Ratant · 20th May 2012, 05:47 PM

Looking good... 3 nice sunspots..
400 mm Vivitar lens at f5.6, 1/4000th on Pentax *ist, EI 800
Couple pinhole images... one deliberate the other.. who needs a pinhole....

GeeMack · 20th May 2012, 07:09 PM

We had some clouds to the west of Peoria, and storms to the east. We couldn't see the eclipse, but as the Sun was setting the sky changed to all kinds of wonderful golden olive colors!

Notrump · 20th May 2012, 07:27 PM

The forecast was 40% chance of thunderstorms over northwest suburban Chicago. Instead we got a thin layer of clouds through which the Sun could be seen. I was able to view the Moon taking a bite out of the Sun through the projection method.

CORed · 21st May 2012, 05:36 PM

The eclipse was impressive in Denver., CO. The sun was obscured by clouds during some of the eclipse, but was visible near the peak. I viewed it by pinhole projection. Near maximum eclipse, the sun when behind a cloud just above the western horizon, and I was able go view it directly through the clouds just before it disappeared for good. I also saw crescents in leaf shadows, elongated as they were cast on a north-facing wall. No pictures.

I am planning on being in Wyoming for the 2017 total eclipse. This is the second near-annular I have seen from Denver, there was another in the '90's, mid-afternoon instead of just before sunset.

There will be another total in 2045 that will pass very close to Denver, but I will be 89 if still alive, so I may not see that one.

17th May 2012, 12:13 PM	#1
Notrump Muse Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 539	Annular Solar Eclipse - Partial for Chicago - May 20 The solar eclipse of 2012 MAY 20 will be annular for portions of the western USA, but will be partial for Chicagoland. The partial eclipse will begin at 19:22 CDT for Chicago observers. By the time that the Sun sets, its diameter will be 61.5% covered by the Moon. WARNING: To avoid severe damage to your eyes, do not view the eclipse directly. The projection method is recommended. I’ve created two preview graphics of the eclipse as viewed from Chicago’s Adler Planetarium. The first is for the beginning of the eclipse, and the second is for shortly before sunset. They can be seen at www.CurtRenz.com/moon
	__________________ http://www.CurtRenz.com

17th May 2012, 12:19 PM	#2
Hokulele Official Nemesis Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Trying to decide whether to set defenses against an army, or against mole rats. Posts: 27,271	It will be annular over my house. Woo hoo!
	__________________ Yvette: "Blasty! Blasty! Blasty!" Some person: "Why did you shoot that?" Yvette: "Blasty! Blasty! Blasty!" - Tragic Monkey

17th May 2012, 01:15 PM	#3
GeeMack Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Not Bandiagara Posts: 7,186	This is plotted (very near approximation) as seen from Peoria, Illinois, at the beginning of the eclipse... And at just about sunset....
	Last edited by GeeMack; 17th May 2012 at 02:14 PM. Reason: Corrected error in images.

17th May 2012, 01:26 PM	#4
ravdin Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 3,568	I'm making a road trip to Chico, CA for the event. It will be my first solar eclipse viewing!
	__________________ If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak. -Jayne Cobb Believe what you're told. There would be chaos if everyone thought for themselves. -Top Dog slogan

17th May 2012, 01:58 PM	#6
Notrump Muse Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 539	Originally Posted by Hamradioguy Be warned: When you see this you will want to see a total solar eclipse. When you see a total solar eclipse you will want to see another...and another....and... But for sure you really do want to see at least one total eclipse- truly unforgettable. Very true, Hamradioguy. Unfortunately there will be no total eclipse on Sunday. During a total eclipse the Moon completely obscures the Sun. This will be an annular eclipse. That's actually little more than partial eclipse with the peculiarity of the Moon appearing entirely within the disk of the Sun while allowing a ring of sunlight. An annular eclipse is quite interesting though, as will be the partial eclipse we'll be getting in Chicago on Sunday. I saw an eclipse that was nearly annular from a skyscraper in Chicago in 1994. It was certainly interesting, especially the images of nearly complete rings being reflected off of windows and on to other buildings and the ground. But what's truly breathtaking, as you imply, is a total eclipse. One will pass through southern Illinois in 2017, and I plan to be there.
	__________________ http://www.CurtRenz.com

17th May 2012, 01:35 PM	#5
Hamradioguy Pyrrhonist Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern Vermont Posts: 2,272	Originally Posted by ravdin I'm making a road trip to Chico, CA for the event. It will be my first solar eclipse viewing! Be warned: When you see this you will want to see a total solar eclipse. When you see a total solar eclipse you will want to see another...and another....and... But for sure you really do want to see at least one total eclipse- truly unforgettable.

17th May 2012, 02:50 PM	#7
jj grumpy old skeptic Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Deep in the rain Posts: 18,519	I remember back before 1996 there was a total eclipse in New Jersey. We put up a sheet of cardboard in the window and popped a small hole in it, and successfully managed to project the eclipse on the back wall of the person's office. The irony of it was that a safety person came around to tell us not to do that because it was dangerous, the guy told about 20 people who, among other things do reserach into vision and imaging, that all viewing of the eclipse was dangerous, even viewed in reflection on a wall in a darkened room, with dark adaptation required to see the image on the wall.
	__________________ The Power to Quit

17th May 2012, 02:59 PM	#8
Notrump Muse Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 539	Originally Posted by jj I remember back before 1996 there was a total eclipse in New Jersey. We put up a sheet of cardboard in the window and popped a small hole in it, and successfully managed to project the eclipse on the back wall of the person's office. The irony of it was that a safety person came around to tell us not to do that because it was dangerous, the guy told about 20 people who, among other things do reserach into vision and imaging, that all viewing of the eclipse was dangerous, even viewed in reflection on a wall in a darkened room, with dark adaptation required to see the image on the wall. He probably would have provided a similar warning during a lunar eclipse.
	__________________ http://www.CurtRenz.com

17th May 2012, 03:12 PM	#9
Hokulele Official Nemesis Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Trying to decide whether to set defenses against an army, or against mole rats. Posts: 27,271	Originally Posted by ravdin I'm making a road trip to Chico, CA for the event. It will be my first solar eclipse viewing! That gives you time to take the Sierra Nevada Brewery tour before the eclipse. We have some relatives coming out from the Bay Area to see it, among other things.
	__________________ Yvette: "Blasty! Blasty! Blasty!" Some person: "Why did you shoot that?" Yvette: "Blasty! Blasty! Blasty!" - Tragic Monkey

17th May 2012, 03:39 PM	#10
casebro Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 6,797	Does that mean it will only be visible to those who's mothers think the sun shines out of their ass?
casebro Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 6,797	__________________ Please pardon me for having ideas, not facts. Some have called me cynical, but I don't believe them. It's not how many breaths you take. It's how many times you have been breathless that counts.

18th May 2012, 02:02 PM	#11
catsmate1 Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dublin (the one in Ireland) Posts: 7,131	There appears to be another thread on this.

19th May 2012, 08:54 AM	#12
Notrump Muse Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 539	Originally Posted by Hokulele That gives you time to take the Sierra Nevada Brewery tour before the eclipse. Excellent idea!
	__________________ http://www.CurtRenz.com

19th May 2012, 08:10 PM	#13
WildCat NWO Master Conspirator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Albany Park, Chicago Posts: 49,098	I'm afraid, what if the dragon doesn't spit out the sun after it eats it?

19th May 2012, 08:17 PM	#14
MG1962 Guest Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kansas (Australia) Posts: 14,750	Originally Posted by WildCat I'm afraid, what if the dragon doesn't spit out the sun after it eats it? Well make sure you bang your drum loud enough and you will have nothing to worry about. And if the dragon does eat the sun you will know who to blame

20th May 2012, 08:41 AM	#15
Notrump Muse Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 539	Originally Posted by WildCat I'm afraid, what if the dragon doesn't spit out the sun after it eats it? Load up on groceries, get plenty of warm clothes, have a flashlight handy, and make sure your heating bill has been paid.
	__________________ http://www.CurtRenz.com

20th May 2012, 11:59 AM	#16
BenBurch Gatekeeper of The Left Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Universe 35.2 ms ahead of this one. Posts: 32,193	100% cloud cover predicted for NE Kane County at that hour. Bah.
	__________________ Are you IN? Join the IN crowd now!

20th May 2012, 02:06 PM	#17
BenBurch Gatekeeper of The Left Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Universe 35.2 ms ahead of this one. Posts: 32,193	Still sunny here, but the clouds are about 15 miles west. Would spoil the horizon if nothing else.
	__________________ Are you IN? Join the IN crowd now!

20th May 2012, 07:09 PM	#19
GeeMack Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Not Bandiagara Posts: 7,186	We had some clouds to the west of Peoria, and storms to the east. We couldn't see the eclipse, but as the Sun was setting the sky changed to all kinds of wonderful golden olive colors!

20th May 2012, 07:27 PM	#20
Notrump Muse Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 539	The forecast was 40% chance of thunderstorms over northwest suburban Chicago. Instead we got a thin layer of clouds through which the Sun could be seen. I was able to view the Moon taking a bite out of the Sun through the projection method.
	__________________ http://www.CurtRenz.com

21st May 2012, 05:36 PM	#21
CORed Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 4,291	The eclipse was impressive in Denver., CO. The sun was obscured by clouds during some of the eclipse, but was visible near the peak. I viewed it by pinhole projection. Near maximum eclipse, the sun when behind a cloud just above the western horizon, and I was able go view it directly through the clouds just before it disappeared for good. I also saw crescents in leaf shadows, elongated as they were cast on a north-facing wall. No pictures. I am planning on being in Wyoming for the 2017 total eclipse. This is the second near-annular I have seen from Denver, there was another in the '90's, mid-afternoon instead of just before sunset. There will be another total in 2045 that will pass very close to Denver, but I will be 89 if still alive, so I may not see that one.
CORed Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 4,291	Last edited by CORed; 21st May 2012 at 05:37 PM.