Sun Stopper

The Real Sun Stopper

stargazer — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:10:38 +0000

Nothing stops the Sun like this…

How we Stop the Sun on 22 July 2009

stargazer — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:38:45 +0000

Hear what solar eclipse chasers have to say about stopping the Sun.

How we Stop the Sun

stargazer — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:28:39 +0000

As the crowds gathered for the total eclipse, they were actually exposed to the Sun.

So while they waited for the Moon to stop the Sun, we introduced to them the best way to stop the Sun — Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sunblock.

In this total eclipse, the Moon stopped the Sun for 6 minutes. For the remainder of the time, stop the Sun with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer.

The surreal moment of totality

stargazer — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:53:59 +0000

Here’s the amazing moment. We are plunged into total darkness. It’s a surreal feeling because moments ago it was daylight, then everything got darker and darker. You know in your mind that it’s 9:30AM in the morning, and yet,

Even more surreal is watching the Sun disappear right before you very eyes. Like an alien blockbuster, only it’s happening right before your very eyes.

The moment is so hard to describe. If you ever get a chance, you should experience a solar eclipse in real life.

The Eclipse that Stopped the Sun

stargazer — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:33:01 +0000

The weather was gloomy, but as the eclipse progressed, the darkening sky was definitely NOT due to the weather. Unmistakably, the world was getting darker and darker.

As gaps appeared in the clouds and we caught glimpses of the Sun, the excitement and anticipation grew.

Even in less than the best weather conditions, the longest eclipse of the 21st century was an awesome sight. An experience one should not miss.

At last, it’s Eclipse Day!

stargazer — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:05:06 +0000

Woke up yesterday morning and it was raining! Argh! But still, we headed out to our locations. The SunStopper crew split up — one went to the filming location and the other went to the viewing site.

All around, other people were finding their spot to catch the eclipse. Some of them climbed up the hills. Others found their vantage point on nearby rooftops.

Wherever they were, everyone hoped for the best, that the clouds would part and we would get to see the Sun — so that we can stop it!

Onwards! To the Eclipse!

stargazer — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:36:46 +0000

After a day of talks and workshops, we checked our equipment, packed our gear and headed out to sea, to Yangshan Island, our destination for catching the longest eclipse of the century.

It’s where the Eclipse City crew is also catching the big show. They’ve been helpful, now if only the weather was as cooperative.

Unfortunately, the weather got worse with clouds and lightning as our adventure took us across Donghai Bridge, until recently the longest cross-sea bridge in the world (it’s amazing to see it on GoogleMap, btw).

And now, thunder and rain too.

Anyway, we’ve done our firsts tests and they were a success. We’re all hoping that the storm will rain itself out tonight and leave the skies clear for tomorrow.

It’s our big day! The longest eclipse of the 21st Century! Woohoo!

Sunrise eclipse on 22 July 2009

stargazer — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:54:24 +0000

We’re almost there. It’s less than 15 hours to the longest eclipse of the century!

Earlier this year in January, an annular eclipse took place that was visible from parts of Africa, Australia and Asia. The image below was taken as the sun set over Manila Bay in the Philippines.

Wednesday’s eclipse will take place as the sun rises over India and travel through central China as morning rush hour hits its peak. Will you capture a photograph as amazing as this one by Armando Lee and F. Naelga Jr.?

We wish you luck and hope and pray that the cloudy skies will clear for the eclipse.

Eclipse, eclipse, everywhere an eclipse

stargazer — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:36:54 +0000

It’s Day 1 of eclipse activities.

It’s been a morning of workshops and seminars by the top minds in astronomy and solar eclipses. 2009 is the Year of Astronomy, and Pedro Russo, IAU Coordinator for IYA 2009 gave a speech on why 2009 was chosen, followed by Federico Avellán Borgmeyer of Eclipse City, who has travelled around the world catching total eclipses.

Also fun was watching the kids join in the action here in Shanghai. Assembling their refracting telescopes for the big day tomorrow.

Weather still holding out. (Fingers crossed, toes crossed, eyes also crossed.)

It’ll be a spectacular eclipse tomorrow morning!

Unexpected pinhole effect

stargazer — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:10:18 +0000

You could set a pinhole up to project the eclipse onto a makeshift screen but really, the pinhole camera essentially works with any tiny hole that can serve as an aperture.

One effect to look out for is the pinhole effect when sunlight filters through any tiny gaps, including those in trees in between leaves.

This could be anything from tiny gaps in between the leaves in a tree,

Or a gap in a fence of wall.

Watch out for the ad hoc and unexpected pinhole effects around you next Wednesday during the eclipse. It might create a pretty sight that is as rare as the eclipse itself.

Less than 24 hours to go!