Solar Eclipse 2017!

[Wayne M.]

This seems to be shaping up to be a major event in a certain swath across North America.

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov

In my home area of NYC, it's really not much news. Just protect your eyes and such.
However, on Monday, the family and I will be in Eastern Tennessee near Dollywood. On a lark, I searched the local media down there not knowing anything, and I come to find that I will be just to the north and east of the "totality" path, and the local authorities are predicting Woodstock type pandemonium.
So going into this trip I demanded some idle time at the cabin we rented and I guess Monday will be that day! So now I'm off to Harbor freight or the welding store, if they're open, to scare up some #14 lenses.
What are your plans? Are you in the TOTALITY path?

 

[jgillott]

I'm guessing that you made your reservations a while ago. I was just in South Carolina and the hotels and campgrounds appear to be booked solid with people for the eclipse.

We are planning nothing special. Our local news said that we will be in the 80% zone. I'll probably look out for a second or two just to say that I did.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I think it's pretty cool. Especially if you in the right spot to see it in full. Oregon has gone full out bat **** crazy

 

[RVTRKN]

Didn't anyone explain this phonena correctly, that global warming has caused this.

 

[Wayne M.]

I'm guessing that you made your reservations a while ago. I was just in South Carolina and the hotels and campgrounds appear to be booked solid with people for the eclipse.

We are planning nothing special. Our local news said that we will be in the 80% zone. I'll probably look out for a second or two just to say that I did.

This has become our vacation sweet spot- next to Disney lol. We made res months ago though we're trying a different cabin. Gotta have that Smoky view! If it's a madhouse, I hope they disperse Tuesday!

 

[bigceltic]

Didn't anyone explain this phonena correctly, that global warming has caused this.

LOL! Is there nothing that glowball warming can't do?

 

[jgillott]

This has become our vacation sweet spot- next to Disney lol. We made res months ago though we're trying a different cabin. Gotta have that Smoky view! If it's a madhouse, I hope they disperse Tuesday!

As much as you have talked about it over the years, I want to get down there at some point.

 

[BigPapa]

The main line is hitting just north of where I live. It's crazy around here. All hotel rooms and campgrounds are booked solid at prices more than four times normal. they're predicting the Nashville airport to be the busiest it's ever been tomorrow. Cellular providers are warning that service will be non-existent from all the devices.

On a side note, there have been a lot of places selling and giving away Eclipse Glasses and there have been NUMEROUS recalls and warnings that some glasses will not protect your eyes. One "recall" that stands out was Vanderbilt Medical handed out something like 10K pair at an event and now they're scrambling to warn everyone. A local talk show host warned that they had also handed out some condoms you may not want to use.......:-laf

 

[GAmes]

Oregon has gone full out bat **** crazy

No kidding. I'm here for a high school reunion. Gas stations are running out of fuel, traffic from Salem to central Oregon is backed up for miles. The locals who aren't saying ho-hum are cashing in with parking spots in grain fields. Port-a-potty businesses have been totally booked. Yesterday in Salem I spotted a tent next to one of the major through ways where 2017 eclipse t-shirts were selling. LMAO!!!

 

[JR]

Wow, talk about impeccable timing! I'd love to make the drive to see it but it's too far. Supposed to be about 80% here as well. Some schools (not ours) have even cancelled class on Monday for "safety" reasons. Seems overkill if you ask me.
Wayne, you mention a #14 lense. I dug out my old helmet last night and found a couple of #12's to give the boys to take to school since I'll be at work that day. Is there a reason you specified a #14? I figured a 12 would be dark enough being I've welded with 12s (mostly) and occasionally a 10.

 

[Wayne M.]

The link I gave up top has all the info about viewing and glasses and making a pinhole box etc etc.
I ran up to the welding supply store and he said he's seen peak business and is moving shades like candy. He was all out of what I needed, but he's been advised to give out coated 5&9 and stack them. So that's what I got. 2 sets. I taped them together with clear packing tape so I'm set. It's actually pretty neat. Not all I need is to figure out how to get Mr. iPhone to focus manually. Mr. DSLR don't like it either on manual mode.

 

[Wayne M.]

As much as you have talked about it over the years, I want to get down there at some point.

Being so close to TDR HQ, and how this area is so popular with the mid west, I'm surprised there hasn't been a rally here. I'm game for one. I think it'd be great!

 

[JR]

Thanks, I missed the link at the bottom with the safety apparel.

From that link, according to nasa.

Viewing with Protection -- Experts suggests that one widely available filter for safe solar viewing is welders glass of sufficiently high number. The only ones that are safe for direct viewing of the Sun with your eyes are those of Shade 12 or higher. These are much darker than the filters used for most kinds of welding. If you have an old welder's helmet around the house and are thinking of using it to view the Sun, make sure you know the filter's shade number. If it's less than 12 (and it probably is), don't even think about using it to look at the Sun. Many people find the Sun too bright even in a Shade 12 filter, and some find the Sun too dim in a Shade 14 filter — but Shade 13 filters are uncommon and can be hard to find.

It's pretty overcast today but tomorrow is supposed to be clear and sunny. So I think I will do some experimenting before I hand them over. Since all weld lenses block 100% of the UV and IR it's really a question of if they are dark enough.

How about some pictures of the views around your cabin? I'm not familiar with the area, are you somewhat rural where you are? Been through parts of the smokies a few times. It's some pretty country for sure. It amazes me how many people favor traveling abroad when there is so much to see right here in the US! I've got a ton of places on the bucket list and they're all within our borders.

 

[Wayne M.]

How about some pictures of the views around your cabin? I'm not familiar with the area, are you somewhat rural where you are? Been through parts of the smokies a few times. It's some pretty country for sure. It amazes me how many people favor traveling abroad when there is so much to see right here in the US! I've got a ton of places on the bucket list and they're all within our borders.

This is a different cabin, but I think it's in the same community. Basically it looks unlike anything common. Picture a neighborhood carved out of a small but high elevation mountain with log cabin construction housing perched on every side and peak. To see details, go on Dollywood.com and drill into lodging and cabins. All shapes and sizes, most are modernized will full amenities. If you want roughing it, there are other choices further in the woods. This is about 10 minutes from her park and the "parkway" which is the main drag, which can get busy at times. Search up Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

 

[BigPapa]

This is about 10 minutes from her park and the "parkway" which is the main drag, which can get busy at times.

Have you been there since it burned? I have not but I've been told by those that have it's terrible, especially in Gatlinburg proper.

Here's the Totality Line in TN. It will be complete totality in the shaded areas and the center is the blue line. I live where the red cross is just north of Nashville.

 

[BigPapa]

Just in:

I just heard on the news that they are not only calling for cell service interruptions due to overuse but also GPS may not work. I guess everyone's going to use up all the satellite signals.......:-laf

 

[jgillott]

Well, I now officially have plans for the eclipse. St. Vincent college is hosting an eclipse watching party for alumni and their families on Monday. Supposedly having glasses available and telescopes set up for viewing.

 

[Wayne M.]

Scott, no I haven't. Last there months before the fires. I'm sure we're going to be upset a bit.

J, I'm sure it'll be nice to watch with those in the know, but I would scare up some shades of your own.
Be careful with the telescopes. I'm reading that the filter should be on the big end, not the eyepiece. You don't want to look into the sun magnified regardless of the filter.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

No kidding. I'm here for a high school reunion. Gas stations are running out of fuel, traffic from Salem to central Oregon is backed up for miles. The locals who aren't saying ho-hum are cashing in with parking spots in grain fields. Port-a-potty businesses have been totally booked. Yesterday in Salem I spotted a tent next to one of the major through ways where 2017 eclipse t-shirts were selling. LMAO!!!

The Oregon Gov declared roadside camping legal for the event. I'm picturing Woodstock type crowds and I bet each and everyone will clean up after themselves

 

[jgillott]

Scott, no I haven't. Last there months before the fires. I'm sure we're going to be upset a bit.

J, I'm sure it'll be nice to watch with those in the know, but I would scare up some shades of your own.
Be careful with the telescopes. I'm reading that the filter should be on the big end, not the eyepiece. You don't want to look into the sun magnified regardless of the filter.

Yea, unfortunately I don't know anything about telescopes or the like. It's being sponsored by their astronomy department so I hope they know what they are doing.