The eclipse coverage from Israel was only 6%. while such a small eclipse seems to be an uninteresting even, an eclipse is an eclipse and you have to observe what geography gives you!
The total solar eclipse was total only at the north arctic ocean. The entire Europe saw a partial eclipse, and Israel was at the edge with only 2.5-8% depending on your location in the country.
Nevertheless I used this opportunity to have a street astronomy and setup my telescope at the local mall where it was very busy on Friday noon. The weather was cloudy but I was sure that during the 90 minutes of the eclipse there will be enough time with clear skies.
Here is the setup just a few minutes before the beginning of the eclipse. The sun is out of the clouds. Notice the special sun filter in front of he telescope. Direct view of the sun is dangerous.
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| My setup for the solar eclipse |
When the eclipse started I called the passenger to come and look. Some of them knew about the eclipse, some came especially to see it (I published it on Facebook) but most of them were just lucky enough to be in the area. Most people came gladly but other where a bit suspicious probably thinking I want to sell them something....
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| The beginning of the eclipse 20/03/2015 Israel |
It is always a pleasure to hear the WOW calls from children and adults.
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| Observing the solar eclipse |
The eclipse was short and just in 40 minutes we reached the greatest eclipse. 6% is not much but it is easily visible and definitely better than no eclipse.
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| 6% eclipse 20/3/02105 Israel |
And this is me with my little 70mm refractor (William Optics 70mm Doublet APO). This scope is very useful for such observatory and it takes 2 minute to operate. It is a high quality grab and go scope and essential for such observations.
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| Me and my telescope |
The eclipse is about to end and I watched the last seconds of it as the sun got whole again through the scope.
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| The end of the eclipse |
To summarize it was a great experience, especially to be able to show the wonders of nature to dozens of people!
