Eclipse Weather Escape Plan

It is important to have an eclipse weather escape plan. Fifty four days out and the extended forecast is for rain and clouds at the basecamp in Douglas. Not a worry at this time because the night before the eclipse a go or stay decision will be made...but it is prudent to have a plan in place. 54 days until the eclipse!!!

ERAU/ANSR NASA Space Grant Eclipse High Altitude Balloon Test Flight

One of the eclipse experiments includes the launch of 55 high altitude balloons with student built camera payloads. Part of a NASA Space Grant program the goal is to capture images and video of the Moon's shadow as it moves along the path of totality from an altitude of 80,000 feet. Here you see the ERAU team test flight of their system. The test was successful in that the video stream worked very well. Although the burst altitude was 76,000 feet, short of the target 80,000 feet, a fix will allow for the target altitude to be reached during the eclipse flight. As a member of ANSR I will be part of the support team by radio contact with the launch team and the balloon in flight from my base camp in Douglas. The balloon will launch from Glendo, WY. under the direction of the Arizona Near Space Research (ANSR) group lead by Jack Crabtree. 60 days until the eclipse!!!

Remote Video Streaming Test Successful

I tested the video streaming system that will be used during the eclipse. Part of the test included just letting the system stream for a length of time to determine if there would be a bandwidth problem. It was a very successful video streaming test today from Embry Riddle Aeronautic University (ERAU) Prescott. Here is the complete 38 min test...if you are so inclined to view it. Thanks to all who participated in the test! The ERAU/Arizona Near Space Research (ANSR) NASA Space Grant high altitude balloon systems test was successful as well. 62 days until the eclipse!!!!

Linda's Procedure Works

Preparation for an eclipse is not trivial...that is if you want to collect good data. Linda has settled on a method to capture images of the Sun's corona during totality.

Linda Testing Mounts for Corona Imaging Experiment

Linda will be capturing images of the corona during totality. Here we see her testing two methods of mounting the camera...a standard tripod and ball mount vs an equatorial mount. The equatorial mount wins out because of stability and ease of tracking the Sun.

Testing the Solar Eclipse Internet Satellite Ground Station

Testing the internet satellite ground station to be used during the total solar eclipse. This system should provide a solid internet connection for live streaming of the eclipse activities to my grand childrens' schools!