Solar Eclipse Party 2012

Contact - Koling Chang - email: koling at kchang dot net

Time

May 20th, 2012 (Sunday) 4:00 PM

Locations

  • New gathering and observation location: Auto tour route observation deck:
    Observation deck
  • Gathering and convenience location: Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (green arrow):
       Map (The center will not be open because of a Sunday, the restroom will.)
  • Ideal viewing spot: Logan Creek Trails parking lot (portable restroom):
       Map
  • Optional viewing spot: Auto tour route observation deck (no restroom):
       Map
        This place is on a 6-mile one-way (counter-clockwise) loop.
  • Direction: I-5 north for about 69 miles, take exit 595 for Rd 68, turn right onto Rd 68, take the 1st left onto Co Rd 99W, after 1.6 mile, turn right onto Rd 8013, park on the visitor parking area on the right.

    Eclipse Schedule

    Logan Creek Trails parking lot
Eclipse Schedule: Begins          5:13:36 PM
                  Central Begins: 6:30:18
                  Greatest:       6:30:25
                  Central Ends    6:30:32
                  Ends            7:37:57
Visitor Center
Eclipse Schedule: Begins          5:13:31 PM
                  Central Begins: 6:30:06
                  Greatest:       6:30:22
                  Central Ends    6:30:38
                  Ends            7:37:56

    Things to Bring

  • Sack dinner, water - there will be no picnic table but benches.

  • Foldable chairs, tables, shades 

  • Hats, caps, solar unbrellas, sunscreen.

  • Binoculars (+double sided tapes, scissors, card boards)

  • Telescopes (+double sided tapes, scissors, card boards) 

  • Solar filters 

  • Insect repellent

    • Bathrooms

    Available near the visitor center. Portable bathroom available in the viewing spot parking lot

    Description

    This location is very close to the south limit of the eclipse so the circle of the Moon and that of the Sun will appear in tangent. In the "observation spot", the Moon will be completely in the Sun for only 14 seconds. This is an ideal spot for observing the "Baily's Beads" phenomenon. Once we know who will be attending the event, we will make a final decision about the exact location from which to observe the eclipse.
    Feel free to arrive early to enjoy the wildlife refuge.

    For more information about the eclipse, please visit: Davis Astronomy Club

    !Warning!

    Parents, please pay extra attention to your kids and tell them about these safety measures.
    Never look at the sun without protection. (Sunglasses are not enough.) It can permanently damage eyes within seconds.
    Always check the scope by placing an object near the eyepiece to make sure there is no light shines through before looking through it.
    For more information, please click here.
    "One last caution: Be sure to attach the filter securely to the front of the telescope so wind or a careless finger can't dislodge it while you are gazing at the Sun!"

    Links

    Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
    Viewing Spot Map
    Davis Astronomy Club
    S&T's Viewing the Sun Safely

    Related Images


    Koling Chang, koling at kchang dot net