Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Community of Practice

Although the October 14, 2023 eclipse was just a 22% partial for us, we planned a viewing event then to test out our plans for the upcoming April total, where we are right on the centerline of the path of totality. 

Unfortunately, October 14 was virtually total overcast, so our event was officially cancelled. However, we did set up both a projection telescope and an electronic telescope and were treated to a few brief 1-2 minute glimpses of the partial eclipse through a few quickly moving breaks in the clouds. Even though the media announced the cancellation of our event, 20 people still showed up and all had at least a glimpse of the partially obscured moon - including right at our 22% peak.

This did test out our telescopic plans for April 8, right at our planned viewing site - Thompson Park in Watertown, which overlooks the city.

Whoops, should have said the partially obscured Sun

Although the October 14, 2023 eclipse was just a 22% partial for us, we planned a viewing event then to test out our plans for the upcoming April total, where we are right on the centerline of the path of totality. 

Unfortunately, October 14 was virtually total overcast, so our event was officially cancelled. However, we did set up both a projection telescope and an electronic telescope and were treated to a few brief 1-2 minute glimpses of the partial eclipse through a few quickly moving breaks in the clouds. Even though the media announced the cancellation of our event, 20 people still showed up and all had at least a glimpse of the partially obscured moon - including right at our 22% peak.

This did test out our telescopic plans for April 8, right at our planned viewing site - Thompson Park in Watertown, which overlooks the city.

What a great way to test it out for the total solar eclipse in April. Since you'll be in the path of totality but weather is unpredictable this far out, do you have alternate plans for poor visibility on April 8? How does it look different for a total eclipse than being in the path of partiality?

Whoops, should have said the partially obscured Sun

Although the October 14, 2023 eclipse was just a 22% partial for us, we planned a viewing event then to test out our plans for the upcoming April total, where we are right on the centerline of the path of totality. 

Unfortunately, October 14 was virtually total overcast, so our event was officially cancelled. However, we did set up both a projection telescope and an electronic telescope and were treated to a few brief 1-2 minute glimpses of the partial eclipse through a few quickly moving breaks in the clouds. Even though the media announced the cancellation of our event, 20 people still showed up and all had at least a glimpse of the partially obscured moon - including right at our 22% peak.

This did test out our telescopic plans for April 8, right at our planned viewing site - Thompson Park in Watertown, which overlooks the city.