The Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024: An HDR Revelation of the Sun's Corona from Westport, New York

The creation of High Dynamic Range (HDR) images of the solar corona is a fascinating challenge, driven by the need to capture the vast dynamic range of brightness that defines these celestial phenomena. This endeavor marries the artistic with the scientific, uncovering details and structures of the corona that a single exposure could never reveal.

 

The Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024: An HDR Revelation of the Sun's Corona from Westport, New York

This particular HDR image of the solar corona was meticulously crafted from a series of exposures captured during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. My setup for totality included a Canon Ra camera, a Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens paired with a Canon 2x III Extender for an effective focal length of 400mm, set at F/8, ISO 200. The camera was mounted on an iOptron SkyTracker, and I utilized a laptop with the SET'n'C (Solar Eclipse Timer and Controller) for precise camera control. The range of exposure times spanned from 1/1000 to 4 seconds, encompassing 1/1000, 1/500, 1/250, 1/125, 1/60, 1/30, 1/15, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, and 4 seconds.

During the eclipse, I successfully captured four complete series of photos at these shutter speeds, all in CR3 format. I then processed these files in a Raw editor, adjusting texture, clarity, and denoise settings before saving them as 16-bit TIFF files.

In Photoshop, I centered the photo by loading the images into layers (File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack...) and utilized the “difference” blending mode for layers, manually centering each image using the arrow keys. An average shift calculation from image to image helped address the challenge of centering overexposed images, which could not be simply aligned based on the moon alone.

To create a mean image, I converted the selected layers into a Smart Object and applied the Mean stack mode (Layer > Smart Objects > Stack Mode > Mean), then flattened the image and saved it as mean.tif. For the moon to be at the center of the image, I cropped it accordingly.

I applied a Radial Blur in Photoshop (Filter > Blur > Radial Blur) with the settings: Spin as the Blur Method, Best for Quality, and an Amount of 10, ensuring the moon was centered in the image. This blurred image was saved as blur.tif.

To subtract the blurred image from the original, I used the Apply Image command (Image > Apply Image), setting the source to blur.tif, with the blending mode set to Subtract and an offset of 128. I then compressed the dynamic range using the Levels tool (Image > Adjustments > Levels) and saved the file as subtract.tif.

Clarity Unveiled: High Pass Filtering by Subtracting Radial Blur from the Original

To multiply the mean image with the subtracted image, I once again used the Apply Image command, setting the blending mode to Multiply. The final image was saved as done.tif.

Final touches were made using Topaz Denoise, the Raw Filter editor, and other Photoshop tools to enhance the image.

Totality HRD Image v.2

The final HDR composition is not merely a visual feast but a technical triumph that reveals the complexity and elegance of the sun's atmosphere. These images are invaluable, providing insights into solar physics and the forces that shape the corona. They also offer a breathtaking visual experience that conveys the awe-inspiring beauty of solar eclipses to a global audience. Through this HDR image, the profound beauty of a transient celestial moment is captured, enriching our appreciation and understanding of the cosmos's wonders and presenting the solar corona in a captivating new light.

A Celestial Surprise: Capturing Comet SOHO-5008 During the Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024

On the memorable day of April 8, 2024, as the moon's shadow enveloped parts of the Earth in a brief midday twilight, a remarkable celestial event was captured by astronomers and photography enthusiasts alike. Among these observers was myself, fortunate enough to photograph a rare and fleeting moment during the total solar eclipse—a moment that would immortalize the doomed comet SOHO-5008.

Comet was not visible by naked eyes, but when I checked one of my HDR images with exposure 2 second, I found that doomed comet SOHO- 5008 is visible on the photo! 

Total Solar Eclipse April 8 2024 and doomed comet SOHO-5008

Canon Ra, Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens + Canon 2x III Extender = 400mm, F/8, ISO 200, 4sec - Westport, New York.

Read articles on livescience or spaceweather about this comet.

The comet, named "SOHO-5008", was discovered earlier that day by the vigilant eyes of amateur astronomer Worachate Boonplod. He spotted it in the images captured by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) coronagraph, marking the beginning of an unexpected celestial narrative. News of the discovery spread quickly, and astronomer Karl Battams of the Naval Research Lab highlighted the potential for ground-based observations during the eclipse. "Ground-based observations of sungrazing comets are extremely rare, so this would be a great opportunity to see an eclipse comet!" Battams had remarked, setting the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime observation.

The capture of comet SOHO-5008 during the solar eclipse is a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of our universe. Just as the eclipse brought darkness to the day, it also brought to light a comet on its final voyage. This celestial coincidence underscores the value of staying present and prepared—for in the world of astronomy, as in life, some of the most fascinating moments are those that are unplanned and fleeting.

Astronomical Image Annotation from Astrometry.net

Astrometry.net

The photograph of the disintegrating comet, set against the backdrop of the solar eclipse, will forever serve as a personal memento of a singular moment when the universe unveiled its wonders. It stands as a call to all who gaze upon it to look up and marvel at the vast, beautiful cosmos—a universe teeming with surprises, waiting to be discovered.

Baily's Beads - Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024

 

Baily's Beads occur just before and just after totality of a solar eclipse. As the moon moves to cover the sun completely, the rugged lunar topography allows beads of sunlight to shine through in some places and not in others. These beads of light appear to flicker around the moon's edges and are named after Francis Baily, who provided an explanation of the phenomenon in 1836.

This is beginning of Total Solar Eclipse visible from Westport, New York April 8, 2024.

Baily's beards image sequence

Image sequence of Baily's beads (diamond ring) at the second contact was captured with Canon Ra with an EF200mm f/2.8L II USM lens and a 2x III extender.  Camera was mounted on an iOptron SkyTracker and orchestrated by SET'n'C (Solar Eclipse Timer and Controller). The six exposures were all short at 1/1000, ISO 200 with camera drive set on continuous at 1 frame per second. 

The beauty of Baily's Beads lies in their rarity. Solar eclipses themselves are rare events at any given location, and the Baily's Beads effect is visible for only a few seconds during the partial phases of an eclipse.

The Baily's Beads effect is a powerful reminder of the celestial mechanics at play. It highlights the perfect alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, and showcases the irregular, rugged terrain of the Moon—factors that are both scientifically fascinating and visually captivating. The sequence of images not only serves as a document of a specific astronomical event but also as an artistic representation of the dynamic, ever-changing nature of our universe.

In essence, a sequence image of Baily's Beads captivates by blending the precision of astronomy with the wonder of natural beauty. It freezes a moment of cosmic ballet, offering a glimpse into the sublime, ephemeral interplay of light and shadow, celestial bodies, and the laws of physics—a dance that, despite its brief appearance, leaves a lasting impression of the awe-inspiring universe we inhabit.

Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024 | Westport, New York

Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024 -Westport, New York

On April 8, 2024, a celestial event of spectacular proportions graced the skies: a total solar eclipse. For those of us in Westport, New York, the day held an air of anticipation, excitement, and a touch of the ethereal, as we prepared to witness day turn into night under the eclipse's path of totality.

Westport, nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Champlain, became a buzzing hub for eclipse chasers, all eager for a front-row seat to nature's grand spectacle.

Westport Golf, known for its lush fairways and stunning views, offered a picturesque setting for eclipse viewing. The expansive greens provided a clear, unobstructed view of the sky, making it an ideal location for observation. As the eclipse approached, the course was transformed into a field of curiosity and excitement, dotted with telescopes, cameras, and spectators donning their eclipse glasses.

The darkness of totality was profound yet fleeting, lasting approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds. During this brief interlude, the surroundings were bathed in a twilight glow, a surreal moment that felt out of place yet deeply moving. The visibility of stars and planets in the midday sky, particularly Venus’s bright appearance, added a stellar touch to the spectacle.

My set up for Totality: Canon Ra, Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens + Canon 2x III Extender = 400mm, F/8, ISO 200. The precision with which these images were captured was further ensured by the use of an iOptron SkyTracker mount, which tracked the sun's movement across the sky, eliminating potential blurring from the Earth's rotation. Moreover, the integration of the SET'n'C (Solar Eclipse Timer and Controller) provided an automated approach to timing and exposure adjustments, critical for dealing with the rapidly changing light conditions during the eclipse.

Beginning of totality,  diamond ring - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec. Amidst the rarefied beauty of celestial events, the Diamond Ring effect stands out as a fleeting, yet unforgettable moment. It heralds the beginning and conclusion of totality during a solar eclipse, a spectacle where the moon and the sun perform a celestial dance across the sky. 

Diamond Ring Contact 2 of Total Solar Eclipse April 8 2024 as seen from Westport, New York

Solar Corona - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/16 sec. The image stands as a stunning testament to the celestial dance between light and darkness, showcasing the corona's delicate filaments and radiant glow against the backdrop of space.

Solar Corona of Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 - Westport, New York

Solar Flares - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec. The conjunction of the eclipse with these solar eruptions offers a glimpse into the sun's dynamic power, highlighting the beauty and intensity of our star's active nature.

Solar Flares - Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 - Westport New York

End of totality, diamond ring - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec.

Diamond Ring Contact 3 (Post-totality) of Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 as seen from Westport, New York

First photo in the post - average mean of 40 photos with different exposure time from 1/1000 to 1/2 seconds.

As the eclipse passed and daylight returned, the sense of communal experience lingered. Gathered on the golf course, we shared in the wonder and ephemeral beauty of the cosmos, a reminder of the universe’s grandeur and our place within it. The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, observed from the Westport Golf in New York, was not just a celestial event; it was a profound communal experience, an opportunity to connect with the cosmos and with each other in a moment of fleeting darkness and enduring wonder.

Annular Solar Eclipse - October 14, 2023 | Odessa, Texas

Annular Solar Eclipse, October 14, 2023 - Odessa, Texas. The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB).

Canon Ra, Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens + Canon 2x III Extender = 400mm, 1/640 sec, F/14, ISO 3200, Thousand Oaks Threaded Camera Filter 72-T, iOptron SkyTracker, Vello ShutterBoss II Timer Remote Switch 

Annular Solar Eclipse Composite Image

In the grand tapestry of the cosmos, few events capture the human imagination quite like a solar eclipse. While the Earth dances around the Sun, and the Moon orbits our planet, there comes a moment each year when these celestial bodies align in a breathtaking display of natural wonder. This momentous occasion is none other than the annual solar eclipse, a recurring phenomenon that continues to captivate, inspire, and remind us of the profound beauty of our universe.

The annual solar eclipse is not just an astronomical event; it's a celestial spectacle that has held a special place in human history and culture for millennia. As the Moon glides across the face of the Sun, it casts a shadow upon the Earth, temporarily plunging regions into darkness and transforming the day into night. The sun's corona, a delicate, fiery halo, emerges as the star attraction. People gather in awe to witness this cosmic alignment, pondering the mysteries of the heavens and feeling a deep connection to the vastness of the universe.

There are original Images:

1_Annular Solar Eclipse

2_Annular Solar Eclipse

3_Annular Solar Eclipse

4_Annular Solar Eclipse

5_Ring of Fire Eclipse

6_Ring of Fire Eclipse

7_Ring of Fire Eclipse

8_Annular Solar Eclipse

9_Annular Solar Eclipse

10_Annular Solar Eclipse

11_Annular Solar Eclipse

12_Annular Solar Eclipse

Camera set up for Annular Solar Eclipse

There are photos of Crescent-shaped shadows.

Using a kitchen colander during a solar eclipse is a fun and educational way to witness the celestial event. When you hold a colander up to the sun, its numerous small holes act as pinhole cameras, projecting multiple images of the crescent-shaped sun on any surface below, whether it's the ground or a piece of paper. The result is a pattern of miniature eclipses resembling a celestial sieve.

Crescent shadows through the holes in the colander that occur during the eclipse

As the moon begins its journey across the sun's face, the gaps between leaves on trees act as pinhole cameras, casting crescent-shaped images of the partially covered sun on the ground below. These shadow crescents mimic the sun's diminishing shape in real-time, creating a dynamic and awe-inspiring display. In addition to crescent-shaped gaps, the overall dappled pattern of light passing through the leaves forms intricate designs on the ground. The gaps between the leaves project countless images of the partially eclipsed sun, producing an artistic tapestry of sunspots.

Crescent-shaped shadows from trees that occur during the eclipse

Washington State Hurricane Ridge - Night Sky and Snow Mountains

 

Astrophotography from Washington State Olympic National Park, July 11, New Moon, during astronomy tour in  Hurricane Ridge. 

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8;   ISO 12800, Combination of two photos 4 sec and 30 sec, Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington State.

Washington State Hurricane Ridge - Night Sky and Snow Mountains

I enjoy the night sky view.

New York City Solar Eclipse - June 10, 2021 - Astrophotography

Solar eclipse - New York City  Staten Island  - June 10, 2021. Approximately 70% of the sun is eclipsed by the moon. Photos were done about 5:30 am in the morning on sunrise. This is view from Staten Island boardwalk to Brooklyn near Verrazzano Bridge.

Canon Ra, Canon  EF 200mm f/2.8 L II USM Telephoto Lens

Solar Eclipse NYC - June 10, 2021 - Astrophotography

Partial Solar Eclipse Staten Island, New York, USA 06-10-2021

People, Birds and Solar Eclipse - NYC view from Staten Island to Brooklyn - June 10, 2021

Milky Way Panorama Astrophotography

There are couple of Milky Way panoramas which I did previously. There are Milky Way Rainbow from West and East of North America, Panorama in South America Chile and Milky Way Bow in Equator Galapagos. The photos of panoramas done during of couple of years. All places have best dark sky on Earth, photos were done during new moon. I used about the same technology – about 20-30 photos for one panorama. It took about 30 – 40 minutes (one photo was about 30 second, Canon 60Da with Canon Lens EF16-35mm, F/2.8). For post processing I used Photoshop to stitch all photos to one panorama. Challenge were that it was new places, when I never bean before, and very limited time.

Milky Way Panorama - Utah USA, Arches National Park Astrophotography

This is panorama of 40 images which were done during my trip to Arches National Park. I really like this trip, and I believe that   Arches National Park is one of the best place for landscape astrophotography. It is paradise for astrophotography – really dark sky (during new moon) and fantastic landscaping.

Milky Way Panorama - Maine USA, Acadia National Park Astrophotography

While Mount Desert Island is not heavily populated and is remote, but some light pollution exists. So, some places in Acadia National Park are just with good dark sky. But some places are having amazing sky! Sand Beach, while just a 290-yard-long beach inlet between granite mountains, has a spectacular view of the night sky. On the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, this place has “Class 1” (out of 9) is absolutely, naturally dark — the darkest skies on Earth!

Milky Way Panorama - Galapagos Astrophotography

This sea is my sea, this land is my land, this sky is my sky, this Milky Way is my Milky way.

Not so much were changes on Galapagos Islands during last 3 millions years!

The marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), also known as the sea iguana, saltwater iguana, or Galapagos marine iguana, is a species of iguana found only on the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) that has the ability, unique among modern lizards, to forage in the sea, making it a marine reptile.

Panorama - Milky Way Shadow - Chile Astrophotography

Milky Way casting shadows – for all my live don’t see many times. Need very dark sky, no moon, no light pollution. Also, when doing the photo of Milky Way panorama, I usually add extra light to see landscape. This was exception. Very dark sky – Chile Atacama Desert has one of the best skies for observation. On the astronomical tour had one request – no light. Location is desert oasis with trees. Scorpius and Sagittarius and Jupiter are close to zenith. As result on the photo you can see diffuse shadows from trees casing by Milky Way. Really, there is the place where the Milky Way casts a shadow!

First Canon Ra Milky Way Rainbow - Catskill  NY

This is my first photo of Milky Way Rainbow with Canon EOS Ra. I am continue testing Canon Ra astrophotography camera. Canon Ra has High ISO performance with reasonable low noise levels (Topaz DeNoise AI allow minimize noise level). So even 5 sec photos with ISO 20,000 gives very nice result for night landscaping. Because of 5 sec shots – photo time is pretty fast. Special filter gives good contrast for Milky Way. Photoshop allows combine all 20 photos to one Milky Way rainbow panorama.

Milky Way and Zodiacal Light over Bolivia - Black and White Astrophotography

The photo captures a view of the night sky over the Bolivia. 2 hours after sunset (elevation: 4020 m / 13190 feet). Canon EOS 60Da, 25 sec., Canon Lens EF16-35mm, f/2.8, ISO 6400, panorama of 20 images. 

Because our eyes are less sensitive to color in low light conditions, a black and white photo more closely approximates what our eyes can see at night (compared to a color photo).

The black and white photography highlights the stark contrast between the dark night sky and the glowing band of the Milky Way. The Milky Way, a dense band of stars and interstellar dust, stretches across the sky in a white arc. 

If you look closely, you can also see a faint, diffuse glow stretching up from the horizon. This is the Zodiacal Light, a ghostly band of light caused by sunlight reflecting off interplanetary dust particles in our solar system. 

Taken together, the Milky Way and Zodiacal Light create a breathtaking scene that reminds us of the immense scale and beauty of the universe we inhabit. It is a testament to the power of nature and the wonders that can be discovered by simply looking up at the night sky.

The photo of the Milky Way and Zodiacal Light is an example of the beauty that can be found in the natural world. It is a reminder that there is always more to discover and explore, both here on Earth and beyond.

Milky Way Casting Shadows - Chile Astrophotography - San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations Star Tour

We know the Sun and Moon cast shadows. But if Milky Way is bright enough to throw shadows? This is panorama from San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations Star Tour. On the photo you can see shadows of trees cast by the Milky Way!

Based on Bortle scale of night sky's brightness this is one of the darkness sky on Earth - Scale 1 - Excellent dark-sky site - The Scorpius and Sagittarius region of the Milky Way casts obvious diffuse shadows on the ground. Not so often can see something like this!

Milky Way Casting Shadows - Chile Astrophotography  - San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations Star Tour

Green and red airglow is noticeable close to the horizon. The brightest "star" in the center is actually Jupiter. 

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 25.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400 - Panorama of 20 photos

This image, slightly different version, has been chosen as Today's Image of the Day 17/11/2019. 

Dark Sky Travels Magazine

Dark Sky Travels Magazine Image of the Day

Zodiacal Light Bolivia Astrophotography

Zodiacal light - Bolivia Astrophotography - 2 hours after sunset (elevation: 4020 m / 13190 feet). Jupiter is on the top of the image. Photo was done near Hotel Jardines De Mallku Cueva, Bolivia. New Moon. Canon EOS 60Da, 25 sec., Canon Lens EF16-35mm, f/2.8, ISO 6400, panorama of 3 images. Digital cameras are more capable in collecting light, but even visually the Zodiacal light was clearly visible to the naked eye.

Zodiacal Light Bolivia Astrophotography

Zodiacal light is a faint, diffuse, and roughly triangular glow that is visible in the good dark night sky far from any light pollution and appears to extend from the Sun's direction and along the zodiac. The zodiacal light appears as a column, brighter at the horizon, tilted at the angle of the ecliptic. The light scattered from extremely small dust particles. The source of the dust probably originated from the tails of active comets.

There is color variation of the photo

Zodiacal Light Astrophotography

Black and White version of the Zodiacal Light - most close to what I saw.

Zodiacal Light Astrophotography Black and White

 

Acadia National Park, Maine USA - Astrophotography

Acadia National Park is one of the darkest place on the East Coast. It is amazing how good sky is here - amazing airglow and shadow from Milky Way. I not even expected something like this on the East Coast of US.

Acadia Astrophotography - Panorama of 4 Images Milky Way over Sand Beach

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 25.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400 - Four photos, Panorama

Acadia Astrophptography  Milky Way Night Landscape

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 30.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 12800 - One photo

Black and White Acadia Astrophotography

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 30.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 12800 - One photo

Night Landscape Canon Astrophotography Panorama Milky Way Acadia National Park Maine USA

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 25.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400 - 6 photos

Chasing the Milky Way - Acadia National Park

Rainbow Milky Way - Maine Astrophotography, Acadia National Park

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 25.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400 - Panorama of 20 photos


I derived with my family and friends from New York to Acadia National Park about 10 hours. There was new moon and weather forecast for this night was good.  It was chance to get good dark sky.

While Mount Desert Island is not heavily populated and is remote, but some light pollution exists. So, some places in Acadia National Park are just with good dark sky. But some places are having amazing sky! Sand Beach, while just a 290-yard-long beach inlet between granite mountains, has a spectacular view of the night sky. On the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, this place has “Class 1” (out of 9) is absolutely, naturally dark — the darkest skies on earth! Such darkness sky in the Sand Beach can be attributed to two factors: location and park lighting. Newport cove protects the beach from most of the sky glow from major population centers on the island. The beach faces out to the dark open ocean. The surrounding topography blocks the line of sight from Bar Harbor preventing residual sky glow. Park lighting were design to minimized light pollution.

The Sand Beach was good choice.  The Galactic center region of the Milky Way casts obvious diffuse shadows on the ground. Airglow is readily apparent. The presence of Jupiter in the sky seems to degrade dark adaptation. Its big contrast between New York sky and Acadia National Park.

Mauna Kea Observatories, Big Island Hawaii

The purpose of life is the investigation of 

the Sun, the Moon, and the heavens.

— Anaxagoras, Philosopher

Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the planet for an astronomical observation. The elevation is about 4,200 meters (13,800 ft). The atmosphere above the mountain is extremely dry and cloud-free, the proportion of clear nights is among the highest in the world with minimum optical turbulence.

Subaru Telescope Hawaii Mauna Kea Observatories

From left to right the Smithsonian Submillimeter Array, the Subaru Telescope, the twin Keck I and II telescopes, and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility - Hawaii Mauna Kea Observatories

Note, that the Submillimeter Array is important component of the Event Horizon Telescope, which made photo of the Black Hole Shadow at the center of Messier 87 Galaxy.

W. M. Keck Observatory - Hawaii Mauna Kea Observatories

Big Island Hawaii Mauna Kea Observatories - W. M. Keck Observatory

Very Long Baseline Array Radio Telescope on Hawaii - Mauna Kea Observatories

NASA Infrared Telescope Facility Hawaii Observatory

Above the Clouds - Hawaii Mauna Kea Big Island

Skydriving  Hawaii Mauna Kea

Sunset Hawai Mauna Kea

Stargazing and Astrophotography near  MaunaKea Visitor Information Station

Night Sky MaunaKea Visitor Information Station

MaunaKea Visitor Information Station is located at the 9,300-foot (2,800 m) elevation, south of the summit.