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Subject: Re: [M]: CCD Imaging of total eclipse.
From: JohnLX200@aol.com
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Tue Feb 10 01:31:27 1998

In a message dated 98-02-10 00:10:41 EST, you write:

<< Now the sun seems to be too big to fit on the CCD. To image the eclipse,
I imagine the interesting effect is to see all of the sun. How can I do
this? Any suggestions for imaging this eclipse using the 416 Pictor and
the 12" LX200 will be appreciated since I have to haul this equipment
over 1000 Km by road and am begining to wonder if it might be better
just to take my handycam and camera. BTW, any simple methods of coupling
a Sony Handycam to the LX200?

Regards and sunny skies:
Alex Popov
sandric@telcel.net.ve >>

Even on 35mm film (24mm x 36mm) which is way bigger than a 416 chip, the 12"
f/10 scope (over 3000mm focal length!) is MUCH too long for photographing the
total phase of a solar eclipse. Even if the whole sun or moon fit on it,
which it doesn't, you'd be missing a lot of the corona.

That's why most 35mm photographers might do the partial phases at 2000mm focal
length, then drop down to 1000mm or less for totality if they're doing long
exposures. Maybe 1200mm is OK for shorter exposures that get less corona, but
then you have to keep it centered well.

Is it too late to get an f/6.3 focal reducer and an adapter for your camera?

Or trade in your scope for an 8"? ;-)

There is a guy who sells something called the LE Adapter (or something like
that) to clamp a camcorder onto the eyepiece. It costs between $100-$200, so
you might try making your own.

John Hopper
JohnLX200@aol.com