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www.eclipse-chasers.com Gallery Report Programmer: Bill Kramer Last update: April 17 2015 |
Eclipse Chaser
(noun) - Anyone that wants to see a total solar eclipse. 
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Eclipse Reports
Stretching from Indonesia across the Pacific the eclipse path did not cross a lot of land meaning that one had to position along the few lucky islands, on a ship, or an aircraft to view totality. Of course that did not stop eclipse enthusiasts. Travel to Indonesia is not impossible, just a little difficult because eclipse paths do not care about airports and hotels. The shadow falls where it falls and one must get into position and hope for good weather.
The weather presented a great challenge as the time of year fell just as the rainy (hence cloudy) season was ending in the region. There was plenty of cloud and rain in the weeks leading up to the eclipse. But on eclipse day (more correctly eclipse morning) the weather cooperated and most who went were able to enjoy a spectacular eclipse of the Sun.
As the Moon slipped in front of the Sun a dazzling corona because visible. Irregular in shape the corona featured two large helmut formations. One extended about two solar radii and curved around a very large prominence. The other was more classic in shape and came to a point about half a solar diameter out. One observer likened the shape to a butterfly while another said it appeared as a flower blowing in the wind.
Eclipse reports indicate that most expeditions were successful in viewing the eclipse with only a few missing the show due to clouds. Because relocating was not easy for most it really was a gamble to be in the right place at the appointed time.
On board the Volendam cruise ship in the Makassar Straights we observed the eclipse in mostly clear sky. Just a few clouds were visible and they stayed out of the way for totality. We saw beads around 2nd contact and a prolonged 3rd contact due to the lunar profile. Our intended position had more clouds and we ended up about 20 miles further west. On board there were several groups and numerous eclipse experts. Everyone had an opinion of where to best observe the eclipse and in the end all were quite happy with the results.
Links to external websites
David Reneke - Princess Cruises, Coral Discoverer
Catalin Beldea - Tidore Indonesia
Daniel Fischer - collection of videos
Williams College TSE 2016
Marcellinus Prien - Pulau Belitung Indonesia
Ternate - Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris
SAROS Group - Mare Indonesia
Stephan Heinsius (eclipseland) - Belitung (German)
Patrick Poitevin - Balikpanpan
Hans van der Meer - Ternate Indonesia
San Diego Man watches solar eclipse
Stefan Meyer - GoPro video
Glenn Schneider - Palau Tidore
Wolfgang Strickland - Sulawesi
Ursula and Stefan Meyer - slide show
List presented in random order
