Eclipse Expedition: Astronomy Outreach
As part of their astronomy outreach efforts, before leaving for Tatakoto Imelda and Edwin were able to convince California-based telescope manufacturer Celestron to donate a telescope for the island’s primary school. Right after the eclipse, Imelda and Edwin presented the AstroMaster 90AZ refractor to the mayor, the school’s headmaster and the children of Tatakoto.
Solar Eclipse Astronomy Outreach
Imelda and Edwin assembled the telescope and showed the schoolchildren how to use it. The kids then eagerly waited in line to take their very first look through a telescope. It was only a distant coconut tree — but they were all very excited and happy. The island is blessed with some of the clearest, darkest, and most pristine skies Imelda and Edwin had ever seen, and thanks to the generosity and support of Celestron, the children of Tatakoto now have a superb tool for exploring the beauty of the night sky.
Annular Solar Eclipse Expedition: May 2012
During the annular solar eclipse of May 20, 2012, Imelda and Edwin shared the experience with some local Navajo residents in Arizona, providing them with eclipse glasses and explaining what solar eclipses are and why they occur. In response, the residents shared with Imelda and Edwin their beliefs, superstitions, and folklore regarding such events. (For example, many believed that looking at an eclipse is bad for one's health.)
Solar Eclipse Expedition Sightseeing
Depending on your time and budget, you can arrange your vacation around the eclipse so you can watch not only the celestial show but also explore new, exciting destinations. For example, after successfully observing the annular eclipse of May 20, 2012, in Page, Arizona, Imelda and Edwin stayed two extra days to visit the region’s world-famous slot canyons.
Solar Eclipse Expedition: Canyon View
This is just one of the innumerable fantastic vistas that Imelda and Edwin photographed inside the Upper Antelope Canyon near the Arizona-Utah border after the annual solar eclipse of May 20, 2012. Expert guide Charly Moore of Overland Canyon Tours led them to the best spots for shooting the red sandstone formations.
Eclipse Sightseeing: Upper Antelope Canyon
A shaft of sunlight penetrates Arizona's Upper Antelope Canyon through a gap in the walls, bathing the interior in a rich, warm glow of yellow, orange, and red. Eclipse chasers Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre explored the canyon as a side trip after the May 20, 2012, annular solar eclipse. Sightseeing can augment a solar eclipse expedition trip.
Eclipse Sightseeing: Lower Antelope Canyon
The Antelope Canyon is one of the most-visited and most photogenic slot canyons in the American Southwest. Its deep, narrow and winding passageways were formed by rushing waters eroding the rocks, leaving behind naturally sculpted walls of various shapes, textures and hues.
Eclipse Sightseeing: Lower Antelope Canyon
Some sections of the Lower Antelope Canyon are wide, flat and sunny, while others are much narrower and darker like a cave, with barely any light reaching the sandy floor. One has to be physically fit in order to hike and navigate the canyon’s trails, go up and down ladders, and squeeze in tight spaces while lugging the camera and tripod.
Eclipse Sightseeing: Lower Antelope Canyon
Depending on the season and the weather, the Antelope Canyon can get pretty crowded inside, with hundreds of tourists and photographers jockeying for position inside cramped spaces, making interior shots quite a challenge. This photo was taken by veteran solar eclipse chasers Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre during a May 2012 expedition.
Eclipse Sightseeing: Lower Antelope Canyon Interior
The Antelope Canyon showcases the natural beauty of planet Earth, giving visitors a glimpse into the planet’s geologic past and a demonstration of the dynamic processes of sedimentation and erosion. This photo was taken by veteran solar eclipse chasers Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre during a May 2012 expedition.
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