1992
ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE

Torrey Pines, California (Pacific Ocean)



Photo Atlas/Observations

Only 6 months after the awesome 7/91 (total) solar eclipse, an (annular) solar eclipse @sunset was scheduled for the Southern California area. I planned a site near Malibu, but there was inclement weather the night before (typical for January). On eclipse day, it was obvious that clouds would interfere for viewing in the Los Angeles area. I made a quick call to San Diego, and the weather report was kinda clear. I raced down the 5 Freeway, looking for a nice site, and decided on Torrey Pines State Park. I had a lot of equipment (3 tripods worth), and a good 30 yards to walk to my site. I got everything running, just before 1st contact (~3:30 pm).

There were some people right along the cliff in the distance, but I was further back (alone, no crowds). There were some clouds during the partial phases, and totality (when the sun was about to set near the horizon). But, it actually gave the photos some dramatic effect.

Click for HI-RES image

This is a partial phase, before 2nd contact. Note the sunspot, and the oblate solar profile (due to the sun setting towards the horizon). The sun has already covered up a region, dense with sunspots.

Click for HI-RES image

This is 2nd contact, the sun is approaching the western horizon @sunset. Note the clouds, reflecting the inclement weather that day. Taken with a 4" f10 (1000mm FL) SCT on Kodachrome 64.

Click for HI-RES image

This is 3rd contact, with the sun already dipping below the horizon. You can see the outline of San Clemente Island.

Click for HI-RES image

This is a (unfiltered) telephoto shot (before 2nd contact) looking towards the Pacific Ocean, as the eclipsed sun is setting towards the western horizon. You can make out the cusps of the eclipsed sun, which is also reflected in the diffraction pattern.