My wife and I (and Sandy Paws, the dog,) journeyed about 750 miles (1200 km) from New Jersey to see and photograph the Total Solar Eclipse last week, meeting up with most of our immediate family for an unforgettable, awesome event which none of us, including the youngest, will ever forget.
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Through a very dense solar filter, these first two images show the moon in silhouette, moving slowly from upper right to lower left across the sun. Click on to see the sunspots near the center, and lower left limb.
Totality descended rapidly in the final seconds… exposing this unreal, and unforgetable sight, joined by gasps and “Oh my God, it’s beautiful (s)..” Fontana Village is a resort in western North Carolina, today within the “path of totality,” a ~70 mile (113 km) shadow area – this time moving west to east across the United States. Above, the sun’s outer corona is captured.
Above: Totally eclipsed over two minutes, the sun just ….reappears. This shorter exposure shows the inner corona and solar flares (reddish bursts to the right and lower right of the sun,) often referred to as the ‘Diamond Ring effect.” 
As the moon continues along, gradually exposing more of the sun… the strong filters and solar glasses are again required, as the landscape moves from deep twilight to full daylight in a little over an hour.Besides finding it hard to concentrate on the quickly changing demands of eclipse photography, the totality is unlike anything you could ever experience. Spontaneous applause and cheers welled up from the field in a unified expression of being witness to something extraordinary.
Accompanied in the field by our children, their children; my brother and sister-in-law, and Sandy Paws, we appreiciated such a beautiful day for an exceptional event just south of the Great Smoky Mountains. As usual, click on the images for a closer look, and thanks for viewing. Comments are always welcome. M 🙂
Of all of my Friends I should have known that it would be you that would make that trip. Amazing that your whole clan was able to join you. Great memories!
Thanks Steve and Bev!
Just awesome! You were so right to gather there as a family, this is something to remember! Thank you so much for your equally awesome photos!
Thanks. As a family, we talked about it late last year and were making reservations in January. All we needed was the weather – and it did not disappoint! M 🙂
Really great pics of the Solar Eclipse and the family!
Thanks, for sending!
Cuz AL
Thanks, Al. We were enthralled by the eclipse. As a side, we also were near, and drove ON the “Tail of the Dragon,” which you may recall from your Motor Cycle days! M 🙂
Awesome shots . . . glad you were able to record them.
Thanks. Wish I could rewind and do it again, with maybe a little more power for defination.) Next one is about 7 years…. M 🙂
I might make the effort to attend that one,
EJ, You’ll need to leave the islands to see the next total solar eclipse, unless you plan on being around in 2106. M 🙁
wonderful captures- and so nice to make a family trip!
Thanks! M:-)