13 mistakes first-time eclipse observers make
From underestimating traffic to using flash during totality, here’s what not to do during the eclipse of the Sun
Watching a total solar eclipse can be an overwhelming and baffling experience if you’ve not seen one before. Here’s what not to do:
1 – Underestimate traffic
The key is to be mobile, but everyone will move on the night of the 20 August – so the highways will be jammed. It’s always busy before an eclipse, but for this one in particular, there is expected to be a huge rush of people coming to the Path of Totality from all over the USA. So don’t plan to drive around on the day of the eclipse itself; you want to wake-up in position.
2 – Overestimate traffic
Staying home due to fear of traffic is a classic rookie error, and sadly a typical response by local people in areas crossed by the Path of Totality, who often panic, fear congestion and annoyance, and flee the area for a few days. Get to the Path of Totality whatever it takes – this is once-in-a-lifetime stuff.
3 – Not having a Plan B
If you wake-up on August 21 to cloudy, you will need to move. Have a Plan B mapped out in advance – and put it into action on Saturday or Sunday before the eclipse.
4 – Underestimate Totality
It’s ALL about Totality. What’s wrong with a 99% partial eclipse? Less people, and it’s surely only 1% less interesting!? Wrong! The difference between a partial eclipse and a total eclipse is like the difference between having super bowl tickets and listening to the game on the radio in the parking lot.
5 – Obsess over the centreline
To see Totality at all you must be within the 70-mile wide Path of Totality, and the duration greatly increases from the southern or northern limit (where Totality will be visible for split-second) to a couple of minutes or more as you get to the center of that path. So just keep away from the edge.
6 – Get local timings wrong
The event itself takes about three hours, beginning with a partial eclipse, peaking about 90 minutes later with Totality for a few minutes. NASA give you the Universal Time, but what you need are local times.
7 – Watching totality on a camera screen
Oh no, you didn’t pretend to be a professional photographer and miss totality, did you? It lasts two minutes. TWO MINUTES! Are you seriously going to waste that precious time fiddling with a camera? That’s a rookie error of the highest order. At least spend the last 30 seconds away from your camera.
8 – Not removing the filter from a camera during totality
If you insist upon photographing the eclipse, at least remember to take the solar filter off. Totality is about the same brightness as a Full Moon; you’ll get nothing through a filter.
9 – Looking at totality too early without a filter
If you look at the eclipse too early to catch the ‘diamond ring‘ before totality begins it can leave spots in your vision. Even if it only affects your vision for a few minutes, that’s totality ruined for you. Leave you eclipse glasses on until it goes dark, then remove them; the crowd’s cheers will be the signal. Just aim to see the second diamond ring at the end of totality.
10 – Using flash during totality
Yes, you’ve decided to take a picture of the darkness during totality. It might be a nice souvenir shot, but do turn off the flash. Not only will it ruin your photo, but it will annoy everyone around you.
11 – Bringing a thermometer
Hey, great idea. Real science! Love it. Except, you just won’t have time to check it during totality, which will make all the measurements you’ve taken in the lead-up a bit pointless. Don’t bother.
12 – Forget a chair, water & sunscreen
Three hours, late August … this eclipse is going to be HOT! You’ll need sunscreen, a hat, lots of water, food, something to sit on, and somewhere to relieve yourself.
13 – Disrespect the Moon
Don’t be rude to your host. You may want to hit the road immediately after totality, but isn’t that a bit disrespectful to the Moon? At least keep him company as he moves away from the Sun’s disk, which takes about 80 minutes. Show some interest in the partial eclipse; project a few crescent Suns on the floor using a colander to show your appreciation. Thanks Moon.
Want to see another eclipse? Check out our ebook 
