Double craters are not necessarily rare but on Mercury new evidence is finding more with the help of a spacecraft zooming around the planet.
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD page lower portion)
2009 October 7
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Ancient Eclipse Found in "The Odyssey,"
After much researching, an eclipse of the sun is revealed in the Odyssey
Eclipsing the Odyssey:
http://www.searchmagazine.org/Archives/Back%20Issues/2008%20September-October/full-EclipsingOdysseyNews.html
Ancient Eclipse Found in "The Odyssey," Scientists Say
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/06/080623-homer-eclipse.htmljavascript:void(0)
Eclipsing the Odyssey:
http://www.searchmagazine.org/Archives/Back%20Issues/2008%20September-October/full-EclipsingOdysseyNews.html
Ancient Eclipse Found in "The Odyssey," Scientists Say
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/06/080623-homer-eclipse.htmljavascript:void(0)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Totality and eclipse July 22 photos from around the world of 7/22/2009
I saw totality and more in Wuhan. Unlike others we were not clouded out totally.
Meanwhile until I post my pics and videoclips and more here are some to view.
Here are some pics maybe you saw. The tragic cloudy one in Shanghai pic stood out. Luckily I was not there .
There weren't enough totality pics .
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/07/the_longest_solar_eclipse_of_t.html
more compiled nicely at
Daniel Fischer's compilation
http://cosmos4u.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html
Meanwhile until I post my pics and videoclips and more here are some to view.
Here are some pics maybe you saw. The tragic cloudy one in Shanghai pic stood out. Luckily I was not there .
There weren't enough totality pics .
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/07/the_longest_solar_eclipse_of_t.html
more compiled nicely at
Daniel Fischer's compilation
http://cosmos4u.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html
Monday, August 3, 2009
Google Map of the intersection of 2017 and 2024 totality
I just returned from China and will post my account, video snippets and photos soon. It was so hot and humid there in most parts of China and I was always "shvitzing " (Jewish for sweating profusely )
Some people are thinking already to 2017 and 2024. But I am not waiting until then for my next shot totality and my 9th (I will most likely try for Australia in 2012- not sure about 2010)
Unlike many others during July 22 eclipse, we saw totality mostly 1 minute before the end of totality ( I did get video of the incoming shadow ). Now back in Kansas with the cooler mornings and nights, it is a real feeling to savour. I can only hope that 2017 will have clearer skies (a death ridge High would be good ) to show the grandeur of totality.
Here is a very nice google map showing both paths. You can zoom in on any part of the paths.
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2017_2024_GoogleMapFull.html
Some people are thinking already to 2017 and 2024. But I am not waiting until then for my next shot totality and my 9th (I will most likely try for Australia in 2012- not sure about 2010)
Unlike many others during July 22 eclipse, we saw totality mostly 1 minute before the end of totality ( I did get video of the incoming shadow ). Now back in Kansas with the cooler mornings and nights, it is a real feeling to savour. I can only hope that 2017 will have clearer skies (a death ridge High would be good ) to show the grandeur of totality.
Here is a very nice google map showing both paths. You can zoom in on any part of the paths.
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2017_2024_GoogleMapFull.html
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Total Solar Eclipses China 2009 coming up
I leave for China Sunday, July 12 to travel and see the eclipse and to do a lot of photography and videotape for a DVD I will make. Here are some interesting websites to note whether you going or not going.
Upon return if you have photos, websites, blogs etc, send them to me and I will post them for others to see.
Thanks Eric
***
other links
Info about eclipse
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/50020537.html?showAll=y&c=y
Watching the weather as eclipse day looms
(clear skies for all!!!)
http://www.meteoblue.com/en/specials/solar-eclipse-22-july-2009/
For those who have iPhones you can download this ap from the iTunes Store
Re: iPhone eclipse circumstances app available
The app is now available through the iTunes App Store. Please feel free to contact me off list with any questions you might have.
http://www.eclipse-chasers.com/totality.html
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/Solar_Eclipses.html
Upon return if you have photos, websites, blogs etc, send them to me and I will post them for others to see.
Thanks Eric
***
other links
Info about eclipse
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/50020537.html?showAll=y&c=y
Watching the weather as eclipse day looms
(clear skies for all!!!)
http://www.meteoblue.com/en/specials/solar-eclipse-22-july-2009/
For those who have iPhones you can download this ap from the iTunes Store
Re: iPhone eclipse circumstances app available
The app is now available through the iTunes App Store. Please feel free to contact me off list with any questions you might have.
http://www.eclipse-chasers.com/totality.html
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/Solar_Eclipses.html
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Book review:
A Digital Photographer’s Guide to Model Releases
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
Author: Dan Heller
Publisher: Wiley Publishing , Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NY 0703 Released: March 31, 2008
Pages: 288
$30 USA
$ 33 Canada
ISBN-10: 0470228563
ISBN-13: 978-0470228562
Strengths: Comprehensive information about model releases. Full color and additional hints abound through the book. Excellent model photographs highlight nice examples. Vertical tabs at the side of each page highlight main part of the section. Nice yellow like sticky notes are strategically placed throughout the book and the pages, to portray tips and highlight specific concerns or ideas that are relevant to the chapter/ pages or text.
Weaknesses: None
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Rating: 5/5
Introduction
Taking photos of people, places and many types of visuals, for publication, is commonplace. However in many lines of work, the necessity and use of model release forms is misunderstood, to say the least. Sometimes the nuances are not quite understood or well defined in many cases, by photographers or the places of business themselves. The book Model Releases: A digital Photographer’s Guide, helps to clarify the meaning of much of the process and update advanced in print media and more in recent years.
The author has been a freelance photographer and photo industry analyst. His works have been featured in publicaiotns from news and business media to fine arts books. This book is the result of over five years of his research to model releases. He is well versed in the changing trends that have transformed books, the press, music and much more, in recent years. His knowledge is transmitted to this book in a very readable and understandable way.
The seven part book covers a wide range of important topics within its 288 pages. The titles of the parts of the book highlight the necessity of model releases. These are : Everyone’s doing it ; So what’s wrong; What’s a model release ; Understanding “use”; Analyzing the need for a model release; Dealing with photos of property; The business of Licensing. The book makes it much easier to clarify when releases are needed and not needed. What buyers need in the way of model releases, and those who don't need releases are summarized. Also included is information for marketing and licensing all your photos, whether they have been released or not. Also the author does the best he can in accumulating years of information and distilling helpful information in one book.
The book is relevant to those in the United States and abroad. The author helps to define in clear terms, what should be initiated and followed through, under many situations and circumstances. He is clear and concise so that misinformation does not occur and clarity of the releases are understood. The well illustrated text is a very comprehensive book available on the subject, covering everything you would to know about model releases. The releases pertain to people, places and additional circumstances. Much has changes in light of a photographer's role in the creation of photographs that may be uses on or in conjunction with the internet, with digital photography. newspapers, books and magazines.
Conclusions
This important book is both insightful and a pleasure to read and understand. The book is useful for everyone from professional photographers whose work involves photography to those amateur photographers who take vacation pictures on vacation, take photos of at their children' s teams/games, schools or more. This book also includes information about models themselves and what they can learn about their rights concerning how they can protect themselves and when that is not possible.
The importance of this book is highlighted by the fact that a well known GPS technology firm “stole” (or should we say “did not secure properly”), music from my daughter’s business/ firm. Whether it was on purpose or not, she had to set them straight and went through the proper channels. This was an interesting event and it served to highlight what should and needs to be done in the way of copyrighting materials. In addition, a firm in Africa wanted to use one of my photographs for their greeting cards. To make a long story short, I had to find that person and that firm, after they used my photographs, as the individual did not forward my payment. If I would have had the information from this book beforehand, I would have know the proper course of action to take to protect myself with the transaction. This book would have let me know, in advance, the proper procedures so that the situation would have not occurred. Now I am better prepared. And you will be too if you read this well prepared book.
Whether you are in business, work with photographs whether your home, business or personal use or involved in possible interactions with businesses, this book is well worth reading. There is something to be said for knowing and understanding your rights, as well as the rights of clients and businesses. That way you can make the best decision about your photos that possible will end up in businesses, books or other forms.
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
Author: Dan Heller
Publisher: Wiley Publishing , Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NY 0703 Released: March 31, 2008
Pages: 288
$30 USA
$ 33 Canada
ISBN-10: 0470228563
ISBN-13: 978-0470228562
Strengths: Comprehensive information about model releases. Full color and additional hints abound through the book. Excellent model photographs highlight nice examples. Vertical tabs at the side of each page highlight main part of the section. Nice yellow like sticky notes are strategically placed throughout the book and the pages, to portray tips and highlight specific concerns or ideas that are relevant to the chapter/ pages or text.
Weaknesses: None
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Rating: 5/5
Introduction
Taking photos of people, places and many types of visuals, for publication, is commonplace. However in many lines of work, the necessity and use of model release forms is misunderstood, to say the least. Sometimes the nuances are not quite understood or well defined in many cases, by photographers or the places of business themselves. The book Model Releases: A digital Photographer’s Guide, helps to clarify the meaning of much of the process and update advanced in print media and more in recent years.
The author has been a freelance photographer and photo industry analyst. His works have been featured in publicaiotns from news and business media to fine arts books. This book is the result of over five years of his research to model releases. He is well versed in the changing trends that have transformed books, the press, music and much more, in recent years. His knowledge is transmitted to this book in a very readable and understandable way.
The seven part book covers a wide range of important topics within its 288 pages. The titles of the parts of the book highlight the necessity of model releases. These are : Everyone’s doing it ; So what’s wrong; What’s a model release ; Understanding “use”; Analyzing the need for a model release; Dealing with photos of property; The business of Licensing. The book makes it much easier to clarify when releases are needed and not needed. What buyers need in the way of model releases, and those who don't need releases are summarized. Also included is information for marketing and licensing all your photos, whether they have been released or not. Also the author does the best he can in accumulating years of information and distilling helpful information in one book.
The book is relevant to those in the United States and abroad. The author helps to define in clear terms, what should be initiated and followed through, under many situations and circumstances. He is clear and concise so that misinformation does not occur and clarity of the releases are understood. The well illustrated text is a very comprehensive book available on the subject, covering everything you would to know about model releases. The releases pertain to people, places and additional circumstances. Much has changes in light of a photographer's role in the creation of photographs that may be uses on or in conjunction with the internet, with digital photography. newspapers, books and magazines.
Conclusions
This important book is both insightful and a pleasure to read and understand. The book is useful for everyone from professional photographers whose work involves photography to those amateur photographers who take vacation pictures on vacation, take photos of at their children' s teams/games, schools or more. This book also includes information about models themselves and what they can learn about their rights concerning how they can protect themselves and when that is not possible.
The importance of this book is highlighted by the fact that a well known GPS technology firm “stole” (or should we say “did not secure properly”), music from my daughter’s business/ firm. Whether it was on purpose or not, she had to set them straight and went through the proper channels. This was an interesting event and it served to highlight what should and needs to be done in the way of copyrighting materials. In addition, a firm in Africa wanted to use one of my photographs for their greeting cards. To make a long story short, I had to find that person and that firm, after they used my photographs, as the individual did not forward my payment. If I would have had the information from this book beforehand, I would have know the proper course of action to take to protect myself with the transaction. This book would have let me know, in advance, the proper procedures so that the situation would have not occurred. Now I am better prepared. And you will be too if you read this well prepared book.
Whether you are in business, work with photographs whether your home, business or personal use or involved in possible interactions with businesses, this book is well worth reading. There is something to be said for knowing and understanding your rights, as well as the rights of clients and businesses. That way you can make the best decision about your photos that possible will end up in businesses, books or other forms.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
J. Pasachoff's Nature Solar eclipse article
Photos, information and more from this nice article.
"Solar eclipses as an astrophysical laboratory" freely available at
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v459/n7248/full/nature07987.htm
"Solar eclipses as an astrophysical laboratory" freely available at
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v459/n7248/full/nature07987.htm
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
total eclipse: Make sure to turn off your camera flash so as to not stun others Mr. Spock
I keep reminding myself about much of these importances before every eclipse .
I thought I might point out some for the benefit of you-all.
(1) Everyone, novice (I prefer use virgin) or not needs to take time to just stare and look at the vista. Even I did that during the 2001 eclipse (finally!).
(2) If you need to protograph the Sun with a camera, it is most important that you make sure that the FLASH is set to OFF.
A flash next to someone blinds them a few precious seconds. In my 1998 video, you can see hundreds of flashes all over the ship Galaxy. A flash will do no good.
Plus it should be on manual not auto (that goes for camcorders too).
Kodak actually has information about how to set your camera for the eclipse depending on what you want to see. I will post all of this on my blog in the near future and well let you know. Your camera does not act like your "EYE". Your eye can see everything at once but the camera will not.
(3) Be prepared because when that shadow starts coming in, things really start to get amazing. It is unlike anything you can see. Like many others you might forget everything you have learned, know or have carefully preplanned (happens all the time). One person aboard the Canberra at 1973, I heard did not take off their eclipse sunglasses and did not understand why things were so dark!!!
(4) Check your equipment before the eclipse and make sure you have batteries etc and everything. My other camcorder failed before totality but luckily I had a backup and had my camera ready to shoot the eclipse sun (featured in Astronomy magazine Dec 2001).
(5) I won't take the time to look at totality with a telescope. Binoculars are probably better. I will use my camer, camcorder and my eyes. I suggest if there are people with a telescope in the group who will offer a peak, please gather near them. Make sure you have permission before totality. They might not have time.
My research mainly has dealt with the environment during total eclipses and how the environment changes before and during totality. You will see a big difference when the sun is covered at 50% but when it starts getting closer well things really change.
(6) Be prepared not to walk too far during totality. In 1972 it was very dark (smaller shaodw cone and less light filtering in). . I could not even see my camera dial settings. In 1979 with the snow it was brighter. 1973 and 2001 were different. Much lighter but still like the dark of the full moon. Be prepared to stay close.
(7) In 1999, there were shadow bands before totality but not after. I could not see them but others could. I was too busy. Your eyes might not be able to focus on them before totality as the light continues to dim. In 2001, I did not seem them before hand but we saw them after totality for over 6 minutes and I was able to videotape them. If you want to look for shadow bands, a white cloth or sheet is needed. Seeing them was one of my all time eclipse highlights and that in 2001. But we might not see them.
(8) That also reminds me. I now where hearning aids mostly during working with students, working with groups etc. If you were them, make sure you have enough. I did not put them in before my encounter with a tornado in May as we were so rushed. The other two guys I was chasing with hear some extra noises relating to the incoming tornado (I hear them now on the video I took of the tornado). If you want to hear everything going on as well seeing during those precious moments, make sure to have your hearing aids in and contacts in!! ( I am glad I wrote this as I might not have thought about it before our trip).
Dr. Eric Flescher
I thought I might point out some for the benefit of you-all.
(1) Everyone, novice (I prefer use virgin) or not needs to take time to just stare and look at the vista. Even I did that during the 2001 eclipse (finally!).
(2) If you need to protograph the Sun with a camera, it is most important that you make sure that the FLASH is set to OFF.
A flash next to someone blinds them a few precious seconds. In my 1998 video, you can see hundreds of flashes all over the ship Galaxy. A flash will do no good.
Plus it should be on manual not auto (that goes for camcorders too).
Kodak actually has information about how to set your camera for the eclipse depending on what you want to see. I will post all of this on my blog in the near future and well let you know. Your camera does not act like your "EYE". Your eye can see everything at once but the camera will not.
(3) Be prepared because when that shadow starts coming in, things really start to get amazing. It is unlike anything you can see. Like many others you might forget everything you have learned, know or have carefully preplanned (happens all the time). One person aboard the Canberra at 1973, I heard did not take off their eclipse sunglasses and did not understand why things were so dark!!!
(4) Check your equipment before the eclipse and make sure you have batteries etc and everything. My other camcorder failed before totality but luckily I had a backup and had my camera ready to shoot the eclipse sun (featured in Astronomy magazine Dec 2001).
(5) I won't take the time to look at totality with a telescope. Binoculars are probably better. I will use my camer, camcorder and my eyes. I suggest if there are people with a telescope in the group who will offer a peak, please gather near them. Make sure you have permission before totality. They might not have time.
My research mainly has dealt with the environment during total eclipses and how the environment changes before and during totality. You will see a big difference when the sun is covered at 50% but when it starts getting closer well things really change.
(6) Be prepared not to walk too far during totality. In 1972 it was very dark (smaller shaodw cone and less light filtering in). . I could not even see my camera dial settings. In 1979 with the snow it was brighter. 1973 and 2001 were different. Much lighter but still like the dark of the full moon. Be prepared to stay close.
(7) In 1999, there were shadow bands before totality but not after. I could not see them but others could. I was too busy. Your eyes might not be able to focus on them before totality as the light continues to dim. In 2001, I did not seem them before hand but we saw them after totality for over 6 minutes and I was able to videotape them. If you want to look for shadow bands, a white cloth or sheet is needed. Seeing them was one of my all time eclipse highlights and that in 2001. But we might not see them.
(8) That also reminds me. I now where hearning aids mostly during working with students, working with groups etc. If you were them, make sure you have enough. I did not put them in before my encounter with a tornado in May as we were so rushed. The other two guys I was chasing with hear some extra noises relating to the incoming tornado (I hear them now on the video I took of the tornado). If you want to hear everything going on as well seeing during those precious moments, make sure to have your hearing aids in and contacts in!! ( I am glad I wrote this as I might not have thought about it before our trip).
Dr. Eric Flescher
Medical needs before the total eclipse in July 2009
To All on the trip
Now I am started to get excited with all the emails etc. Meanwhile while I am also in stormchasing mode and most likely chasing this weekend in Kansas, I am aware of other things I need to do for my next eclipse trip to China in July.
(1) My travel agent Boston friend Mimi Leavitt, who also runs eclipse trips, suggest that I really should get up to speed on several medical things before the trip in addition to Malaria. I have not been outside the US since the 2001 eclipse in S Africa. I will see my doctor about the following next week.
She suggests (it might be all old hat to you all but read on)
"Note: consult with your physician about protection against Malaria. Malaria is being found where you and we will be traveling. Our physiciane both recommend Malarone - to be begun 2 days in advance of departure and continue 7 days after your return. Also - inquire about Typhoid vaccine - 4 capsules taken within 7 day period. Plus - be current with Tetanus protection - if in year 6-7-8- etc., get new Tetanus shot. Currently, CDC site warns about existence of foot and hoof disease - so bring along wash 'n' wipes and/or Purell, etc - to avoid as many germs as possible. Be current with your flu, measles, etc. protection."
(2) I plan this time bring a rain gear parka of some sort small like we used while20trapsing around Victoria Falls in 2001. I also plan to include plastic bags to waterproof my camera and lens. In 2007, while with my friends up on Mt. Lemmon (spelling) , thunderstorms came up all of a sudden . (THey did not tell me this might happen :(
My Canon XT mechanisms were ruined and only manual mode work now. If I would have a plastic bag, the camera would possibly still be okay. I have a Revel XTi coming and you can be sure that I will have some plastic covering for the eclipse trip, traveling and my stormchasing. I learned an expensive lesson.
(3) I will post this and other information on my Black Sun Eclipse blog
(4) During 3 previous eclipse trips, I videotaped and photographed the trips , the eclipses and much more. They took a lot of time to put together but I was pleased with their rendition and it was a good souvenir about the trip, eclipse etc. (I still watch all 3 of mine).
I put them together as videotapes and sold them. However this time , I plan to go one better and include the Black Sun Eclipse 2009 trip on + and - DVD hopefully with chapter markers, slide shows , movie of the trip in the locals and of course the total eclipse.
This time I will be using a 3ccd chip camcorder which has much resolution then Hi-8mm or other the formats. However this camcorder does not do the HD highest resolution but you will be able to play it well on your HD TVs.
This one will be run betwe en 1 and 2 hours as the previous ones (more likely close to 2 depending on how much I can squeee into the DVDs). (They will be NSCT . I have never done PAL DVDs for people outside the US but if you come from outside of US let me know).
I would like to see how many people might be interested. Each DVD or videotape will be about $39 right now. The cost will go up after the trip though. I might be able to set up credit card through Paypal but for right now checks would be they best.
If you are interested send me a private email by using the form below.
****
Black Sun Eclipse 2009 DVD/ Video
send to Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com)
Name : _________________
Full Address/ Zip Code :_________________________________________________
email address: ___________________________________
yes (1) I would be interested in purchasing Black Sun Eclipse 2009 DVD
Yes (2) I would be interested in purchasing Black Sun Eclipse 2009 Videotape
(3) I would like further information before deciding- please send me this in detail thank you
(4) questions etc
____
Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com), Olathe, KS: Lat 38.834, Lon -94.778: Comet Observers Award Coordinator- Astronomical League / Astronomical Society of Kansas, KC, MO-Louisburg,KS: http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/comet/comet.htm: ; Comet Observers20Blog: http://cometobservers.blogspot.com/: Subscribe to Comet Observers newsletter (send your email to): CometObserversAwardAL-subscribe@yahoogroups.com: E.O.A.S. (Earth, Oceans, Atmosphere and Space) Blog -
blacksuneclipse-subscribe@egroups.com: Black Sun Eclipse Blog
Now I am started to get excited with all the emails etc. Meanwhile while I am also in stormchasing mode and most likely chasing this weekend in Kansas, I am aware of other things I need to do for my next eclipse trip to China in July.
(1) My travel agent Boston friend Mimi Leavitt, who also runs eclipse trips, suggest that I really should get up to speed on several medical things before the trip in addition to Malaria. I have not been outside the US since the 2001 eclipse in S Africa. I will see my doctor about the following next week.
She suggests (it might be all old hat to you all but read on)
"Note: consult with your physician about protection against Malaria. Malaria is being found where you and we will be traveling. Our physiciane both recommend Malarone - to be begun 2 days in advance of departure and continue 7 days after your return. Also - inquire about Typhoid vaccine - 4 capsules taken within 7 day period. Plus - be current with Tetanus protection - if in year 6-7-8- etc., get new Tetanus shot. Currently, CDC site warns about existence of foot and hoof disease - so bring along wash 'n' wipes and/or Purell, etc - to avoid as many germs as possible. Be current with your flu, measles, etc. protection."
(2) I plan this time bring a rain gear parka of some sort small like we used while20trapsing around Victoria Falls in 2001. I also plan to include plastic bags to waterproof my camera and lens. In 2007, while with my friends up on Mt. Lemmon (spelling) , thunderstorms came up all of a sudden . (THey did not tell me this might happen :(
My Canon XT mechanisms were ruined and only manual mode work now. If I would have a plastic bag, the camera would possibly still be okay. I have a Revel XTi coming and you can be sure that I will have some plastic covering for the eclipse trip, traveling and my stormchasing. I learned an expensive lesson.
(3) I will post this and other information on my Black Sun Eclipse blog
(4) During 3 previous eclipse trips, I videotaped and photographed the trips , the eclipses and much more. They took a lot of time to put together but I was pleased with their rendition and it was a good souvenir about the trip, eclipse etc. (I still watch all 3 of mine).
I put them together as videotapes and sold them. However this time , I plan to go one better and include the Black Sun Eclipse 2009 trip on + and - DVD hopefully with chapter markers, slide shows , movie of the trip in the locals and of course the total eclipse.
This time I will be using a 3ccd chip camcorder which has much resolution then Hi-8mm or other the formats. However this camcorder does not do the HD highest resolution but you will be able to play it well on your HD TVs.
This one will be run betwe en 1 and 2 hours as the previous ones (more likely close to 2 depending on how much I can squeee into the DVDs). (They will be NSCT . I have never done PAL DVDs for people outside the US but if you come from outside of US let me know).
I would like to see how many people might be interested. Each DVD or videotape will be about $39 right now. The cost will go up after the trip though. I might be able to set up credit card through Paypal but for right now checks would be they best.
If you are interested send me a private email by using the form below.
****
Black Sun Eclipse 2009 DVD/ Video
send to Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com)
Name : _________________
Full Address/ Zip Code :_________________________________________________
email address: ___________________________________
yes (1) I would be interested in purchasing Black Sun Eclipse 2009 DVD
Yes (2) I would be interested in purchasing Black Sun Eclipse 2009 Videotape
(3) I would like further information before deciding- please send me this in detail thank you
(4) questions etc
____
Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com), Olathe, KS: Lat 38.834, Lon -94.778: Comet Observers Award Coordinator- Astronomical League / Astronomical Society of Kansas, KC, MO-Louisburg,KS: http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/comet/comet.htm: ; Comet Observers20Blog: http://cometobservers.blogspot.com/: Subscribe to Comet Observers newsletter (send your email to): CometObserversAwardAL-subscribe@yahoogroups.com: E.O.A.S. (Earth, Oceans, Atmosphere and Space) Blog -
blacksuneclipse-subscribe@egroups.com: Black Sun Eclipse Blog
Monday, June 1, 2009
Vishnu Reddy will speak about eclipses in India
- A number of years ago, I communicated with Vishnu as he was interested in asteroids and furthering his education with astronomy. While I never was able to meet him personally, I assisted and told him about some universities and some places he might want to contact in the US. One thing led to another and he achieved his degree in Astronomy. A great accomplishment.I've spoken by email on off over the years. Now I see he will do a talk about the upcoming eclipse (see below) . Congrats and more.
blacksuneclipse-subscribe@egroups.com: Black Sun Eclipse Blog
Talk by Vishnu Reddy - something interesting for the Total Solar Ecl
Posted by: "nandivada_rathnasree" rathnasree63@yahoo.co.uk nandivada_rathnasree
Sun May 31, 2009 6:56 pm (PDT)
For those in Delhi:
Hello, there will be a public lecture by Vishnu Reddy, at the Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi, at 5 PM on the 3rd of June 2009.
Vishnu Reddy has become a legend among the amateur astronomy circles in India and his is a truly inspiring story in terms of his madness for astronomy which led him to becoming a PHD student in Astronomy at the University of North Dakota, having started out as a journalist at Asian Age, in Delhi. Along the way - discovering 22 main belt asteroids!
Please do see here
http://nehruplanetarium.org/ taarewiki/ pmwiki.php? n=Site.GodhooliP ublicLectures
For the details of his talk on search for Vulcanoids during a Total Solar Eclipse.
The topic sounded strange to me - I spent an enjoyable day or two learning about Vulcanoids - hypothesised asteroids orbiting the Sun closer than Mercury. SOHO and Messenger spacecraft data is being used to search for these. The exciting possibility seems to be that amateur astronomers can do this too, during a Total Solar Eclipse!
Do be there at 5 PM on the 3rd June at the PLanetarium, to find out about this and meet Vishnu.
Rathnasree, Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Total Solar Eclipse trip links China 2009
I have posted information about Shanghai, Beijing, China and much more, on my blog (left side). More will be coming. If you have some good sites, please email me.
I've been on 7 eclipse trips (1972, 1973, 1979, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2001), helped/presented 3 other eclipse company/trips.
This time will be on Rick Brown's eclipse trip for in July. I am looking forward to meeting him and the others.
I already have my airlines transportation to Los Angeles and then on to Shanghai and back after the trip. This is the itinerary. I will use this guide to :
(1) place photos and videoclips (links to youtube later)
(2) eclipse trip accounts and additional information before, maybe, during and most certainly after the eclipse.
(3) Feedback about the Food and restaurants will be noted later on my food blog Kansas City Traveling Gourmet as well is in the account for this trip
(4) linking to my Black Sun eclipse, which I hope to resurrect and port to a new server soon.
I will be using this itinerary as a guide to not information for the trip and related information.
TUESDAY, Jul14 (or earlier) Arrive Shanghai
Arrive Shanghai, and clear customs. Have your passports ready with THE VISA INSIDE THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN BEFORE YOU LEFT FOR CHINA. Then collect your baggage, and go through customs.
ONCE I HAVE GOTTEN YOUR ARRIVAL INFORMATION, I WILL TRY TO PUT TOGETHER GROUP TRANSPORTATION, AT YOUR EXPENSE, PAID TO THE GUIDE AT THE AIRPORT TO TAKE YOU TO THE HOTEL, or you may take taxis. Either way, you will need to change some money at the airport to pay a taxi, or the van. You can do this at the airport after you claim your bags. You will always need to show a passport to exchange money.
If you are using prearranged transport by me, look for your name on a poster that the guide will have to meet you as you exit from customs. If you are taking a cab, go directly outside to the taxiline.
Hotel Accommodation: Huating Hotel & Towers
Address: 1200 Cao Xi Bei Lu, Shanghai, 200030
Tel: 011-86-21-64391000
Fax: 011-86-21-64397853
TAXI INSTRUCTIONS.... Generall y, the small compact cabs will hold 4 small adults. The taxi will more than likely only hold 2 or maybe 3 people with your bags. The METER will end up to be less than $50.00 to the hotel=(about 300 RMB) There are about 6.8 RMB to $1.00
CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION... There is a line of LICENSED, METERED CABS outside the exit of the terminal. Unless I have sent a driver for you, DO NOT NOT NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ACCEPT A RIDE FROM AN INDIVIDUAL THAT APPROACHES YOU NO MATTER WHAT. DO NOT FOLLOW THEM TO ANY WAITING TAXI. IF THEY HARRASS YOU, SIMPLY SAY "PU YA" WHICH MEANS POLITLY, I DONT WANT IT. PLEASE OBEY THIS. IF YOU TAKE ONE OF THESE OTHER CABS, YOU WILL END UP AT THE HOTEL, FOR 3X THE PRICE, AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT BUT SCREAM WHEN YOU GET TO THE HOTEL AND MAKE A SCENE. THESE UNLICENSED CABS LOOK LIKE REGULAR ONES, AND HAVE METERS THAT RUN AT 4 TIMES THE USUAL RATE. PLEEEEEZE USE THE TAXIS FROM THE TAXI LINE WITH THE DISPACHER AT THE FRONT.
We will be waiting at the hotel for all the arriving people to assist you in checking in, welcoming you, answering questions, and introducing everyone as they arrive.
The rest of the day is at your leisure. We will have a little gathering in the lobby at about 8pm for those still awake. The time change in all of China is EST + 12 hours... or GMT +8.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, Jul15 Shanghai
Buffet BREAKFAST STARTS AT 6AM
BRIEFING AT 8AM SHARP DEPART FOR DAY AT 9AM
Trip Briefing in a hotel function room in the morning
Morning visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center showing the old, new and future Shanghai, then visit the Yu Yuan Garden & Old Town.
Shanghai Dim Sum Lunch at a local restaurant including one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon visit the famous Shanghai Museum
Welcome Western Buffet Dinner in the hotel incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer, coffee & tea. followed by a trip orientation .
(B/L/BD)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, Jul16 Shanghai
Breakfast
9AM DEPARTURE
Morning excursion to the water town of Zhujiajiao including a sampan ride on the small canals.
Chinese lunch in a local restaurant including one glass of soft drink or local beer.
After lunch return to Shanghai WITH A STOP AT A LOCAL QUALITY SHANGHAI SILK CARPET SHOP. Then, back to hotel for your own shopping, resting etc.
Dinner is on your own with suggestions from the guides
Optional acrobatic show or Bund river tour (recommended)
(B/L)
Friday, Jul 17 Shanghai/Yichang
Morning free at leisure - Please enjoy a big breakfast., as only a small lunch will be served on the flight.
HOTEL DEPARTURE AT 11:30 FOR OUR FLIGHT TO YICHANG
Transfer to the airport for SHANGHAI AIRLINES FM9365 (1340/1535)Flying to Yichang.
Arrive Yichang, city tour.
THEN TRANSFER TO OUR CRUISE SHIP WHERE WE WILL SETTLE IN, AND ENJOY A BUFFET DINNER AT OUR LEISU RE.
After dinner, WE WILL HAVE SOME GUEST LECTURERS SPEAK ABOUT INTERESTING TOPICS FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. THEN, YOU CAN EXPLORE THE SHIP ON YOUR OWN, PERHAPS TREAT YOURSELF TO A MASSAGE, AND GET A GOOD NIGHTS REST. The boat leaves the dock at midnight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, Jul18 Yangtze River Cruise
7:00am – 8:30am Xiling Gorge
8:30am – 10:30am Shore Excursion to the Three Gorges Dam
All meals on board
*The schedule is subject to change according to the weather & water level condition
(B/L/D)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY, Jul 19 Yangtze River Cruise
8:00am – 12:30pm Boat excursion to the Shennong Stream or Lesser Three Gorges
1:00pm – 3:30pm Wu Gorge
4:00pm – 4:30pm Qutang Gorge
5:00pm – 7:00pm Optional shore excursion to the White King Town
*The schedule is subject to change according to the weather & water level condition
(B/L/D)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONDAY, Jul 20 Yangtze River Cruise
8:30am - 10:30am Shore excursion to Fengdu or Shibaozhai Pagoda
(B/L/D)
This is our last full day on the ship. About an hour before dinner, we will hold our "ECLIPSE SEMINAR" where we will get a few short lectures on eclipses, and also, most important for the "eclipse virgins" a talk on eclipse timing, and all the things to expect on eclipse day. We will also hand out your ECLIPSE VIEWERS that you will use to safely watch the partial phases of the eclipse. Then, we all move to the dining room for our farewell dinner, and then enjoy our "Farewell Revieu Theater Show".
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TUESDAY, Jul21 Chongqing/Wuhan
Arrive Chongqing by dawn, HAVE OUR FINAL BREAKFAST ON THE SHIP. AND WE DISEMBARKE. THEN, A SHORT CITY TOUR AND A VISIT TO SEE THE FAMOUS LOVABLE CHINESE PANDA BEARS AT THE CHONGQING PANDA ZOO. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR CAMERA READY. THEN Transfer to airport for your flight flying to Wuhan – CHINA SOUTHERN FLIGHT #3427 DEPARTS CHONGQING AT 4:40, AND ARRIVE TO WUHAN A 5:50. THEN TRANSFER TO HO LIDAY INN RIVERSIDE IN WUHAN.
Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Riverside
Address: 88 Xi Ma Chang Jie., Hanyang, Wuhan 430050
Tel: 011-86-27-84716688
Fax: 011-86-27-84716181
DINNER AT THE HOTEL WILL BE A RIVERSIDE OUTDOOR Western style buffet Dinner OVERLOOKING THE RIVER.
(B/BD)
TUESDAY IN FULL....
Good morning... THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ECLIPSE PLANNING DAY!!!! We will have a nice buffet breakfast, pack, and be off the ship by noon today. PLEASE DONT FORGET to tip all the caring people that took care of us for the last 4 days!!!! Breakfast will be available until about 11am, then we will get on the bus, see a bit of Chingqing on a short city tour, and then go to the Panda Zoo for a visit. We then head for the airport for our flight to Wuhan. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU PACK CORRECTLY WHILE ON THE SHIP FOR THE NEXT 2 DAYS. PLEASE, IN A SEPERATE SORT OF OVERNIGHT BAG, OR PERHAPS IN A SINGLE SUITCASE FOR 2 PEOPLE, PACK THE THINGS YOU WILL NEED IN WUHAN FOR THE OVERNIGHT THERE, AS WELL AS FOR ECLIPSE DAY TOMORROW. TOMORROW, WE WILL BE LEAVING THE HOTEL BETWEEN 3AM AND 5AM FOR THE ECLIPSE VIEWING AREA, AND THEN WE WILL HEAD DIRECTLY TO THE AIRPORT WITHOUT RETURNING TO THE HOTEL. THERE IS NO NEED FOR ALL YOUR BAGS TO BE MOVED INTO THE HOTEL AND THEN REMOVED SUCH A SHORT TIME LATER. THE BAGS THAT DO NOT GO INTO THE HOTEL ROOMS WILL REMAIN ON THE BUSSES UNTIL WE ARRIVE TO THE AIRPORT AFTER THE ECLIPSE. IN AN EMERGENCY, YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THEM AT ALL TIMES, BUT THE DRIVERS WILL HAVE TO DIG THEM OUT FROM THE BUSSES. YOU WILL ONLY NEED YOUR CLOTHING FOR AN INFORMAL OUTDOOR DINNER, SLEEP, TOILET ITEMS (MOST OF THEM PROVIDED IN YOUR ROOM) AND CLOTHES FOR ECLIPSE DAY.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, Jul22 Wuhan/Xian
ECLIPSE DAY - Early morning depart hotel for the the venue to view the eclipse.
Transfer to airport for your flight to Xian - Flight Numbers CHINA SOUTHERN FLIGHT 6940 DEPARTS WUHAN AT 14:40 AND ARRIVES IN XIAN AT 17:10 .
Arrive Xian, met and transferred to your hotel
Hotel Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Xian (5*)
Address: 38B Keji Road, Xian 710075
Tel: 011-86-29-88758888
Fax: 011-96-10-88759999
DINNER AT DEFACHANG’S FAMOUS TRADITIONAL DUMPLING REST.
THE DAY WE HAVE ALL WAITED FOR. EARLY, EARLY WAKE UP, (or perhaps, not, for those that have not yet gone to sleep...) As we will have 3 busses for the group, we will have departures at 3am, 4am, and 5am. Take all you stuff, AS WE WILL NOT BE RETURNING BACK TO THE HOTEL.
We will be viewing the eclipse from the Wuhan University of BioEngineering campus, at an exclusive area just for us, and some invited guests. We will have the busses a few steps away from us at all times, so you can use the busses to keep your things there, rest, get a cool drink... whatever. It will be very easy to move any and all equipment from the busses to the actual viewing area. The actual area is a concrete campus quad area that will be roped off, with seating available. Security will also be present.
After the eclipse, we will be treated to a wonderful lunch on campus, have time to pack up, relax a bit by the lake on campus if you like, and then we will head to the airport for our flight to Xian.
-------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, Jul23 Xian
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit the Terra Cotta Museum including the Pit#1, 2 & 3, the Bronze Chariot & Circle Vision Movie.
A FUN LUNCH IS IN STORE.
Afternoon visit the ancient City Wall & Wild Goose Pogoda. THEN, BACK TO THE HOTEL FOR A SHORT REST, AND FRESHEN UP FOR DINNER AT
the Tang Dy nasty Dinner & Show at the Tang Dynaty Theatre.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, Jul24 Xian/Beijing
A QUICK 6AM EARLY BREAKFAST IN THE HOTEL, AND Transfer to morning flight flying to Beijing – HAINAN AIR #7238 DEPARTS AT 9:20 ARRIVES IN BEIJING AT 10:45. met and transferred to your hotel. SETTLE IN AND GET READY FOR THE AFTERNOON TOUR…
0A
Hotel Accommodation: The Peninsula Beijing (5*)
Address: 8 Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing, Dong Cheng district, Beijing 100006
Tel: 011-86-10-65106000
Fax: 011-86-10-65129050
Chinese lunch at THE HISTORIC BAMBOO GARDEN.restaurant incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon Hutong Tour - Visit the Beijing's old Hutong ("narrow lanes") area. At the Drum Tower, see a traditional drum performance. Then take an old-fashioned pedicab to the Chichahai Lake area with its 700-year-old arched bridges and courtyard-style homes know as Siheyuan. Tour one of the area's homes and visit with a local family. Stop at a Hutong kindergarten (if school is open) and a vegetable market.
Dinner is on pax's own tonight, WHERE YOU CAN RELAX, OR GET A MASSAGE. WE WILL HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU.
(B/L)
SATURDAY, Jul25 Beijing
Morning visit the Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City
Chinese lunch at a local restaurant incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon visit the Summer Palace with a boat ride on the Kunming Lake if weather permits.
Dinner is THE BEIJING NIGHT DINNER AND SHOW AT THE BEIJING NIGHT THEATER.
SUNDAY, Jul26 Beijing
8:30 DEPARTURE Morning visit the Great Wall at Badaling
Chinese lunch at local restaurant incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon visit the Sacred Way & Ming Tombs at Ding Tomb with the underground palace.
Farewell Peking Duck Dinner at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant.
(B/L/DP)
Monday, Jul27 Beijing/USA
BREAKFAST, HOTEL CHECK OUT, AND FAREWELL HUGS AND KISSES
Your own transfer from the hotel to Beijing airport for your homeward flight.
I've been on 7 eclipse trips (1972, 1973, 1979, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2001), helped/presented 3 other eclipse company/trips.
This time will be on Rick Brown's eclipse trip for in July. I am looking forward to meeting him and the others.
I already have my airlines transportation to Los Angeles and then on to Shanghai and back after the trip. This is the itinerary. I will use this guide to :
(1) place photos and videoclips (links to youtube later)
(2) eclipse trip accounts and additional information before, maybe, during and most certainly after the eclipse.
(3) Feedback about the Food and restaurants will be noted later on my food blog Kansas City Traveling Gourmet as well is in the account for this trip
(4) linking to my Black Sun eclipse, which I hope to resurrect and port to a new server soon.
I will be using this itinerary as a guide to not information for the trip and related information.
TUESDAY, Jul14 (or earlier) Arrive Shanghai
Arrive Shanghai, and clear customs. Have your passports ready with THE VISA INSIDE THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN BEFORE YOU LEFT FOR CHINA. Then collect your baggage, and go through customs.
ONCE I HAVE GOTTEN YOUR ARRIVAL INFORMATION, I WILL TRY TO PUT TOGETHER GROUP TRANSPORTATION, AT YOUR EXPENSE, PAID TO THE GUIDE AT THE AIRPORT TO TAKE YOU TO THE HOTEL, or you may take taxis. Either way, you will need to change some money at the airport to pay a taxi, or the van. You can do this at the airport after you claim your bags. You will always need to show a passport to exchange money.
If you are using prearranged transport by me, look for your name on a poster that the guide will have to meet you as you exit from customs. If you are taking a cab, go directly outside to the taxiline.
Hotel Accommodation: Huating Hotel & Towers
Address: 1200 Cao Xi Bei Lu, Shanghai, 200030
Tel: 011-86-21-64391000
Fax: 011-86-21-64397853
TAXI INSTRUCTIONS.... Generall y, the small compact cabs will hold 4 small adults. The taxi will more than likely only hold 2 or maybe 3 people with your bags. The METER will end up to be less than $50.00 to the hotel=(about 300 RMB) There are about 6.8 RMB to $1.00
CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION... There is a line of LICENSED, METERED CABS outside the exit of the terminal. Unless I have sent a driver for you, DO NOT NOT NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ACCEPT A RIDE FROM AN INDIVIDUAL THAT APPROACHES YOU NO MATTER WHAT. DO NOT FOLLOW THEM TO ANY WAITING TAXI. IF THEY HARRASS YOU, SIMPLY SAY "PU YA" WHICH MEANS POLITLY, I DONT WANT IT. PLEASE OBEY THIS. IF YOU TAKE ONE OF THESE OTHER CABS, YOU WILL END UP AT THE HOTEL, FOR 3X THE PRICE, AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT BUT SCREAM WHEN YOU GET TO THE HOTEL AND MAKE A SCENE. THESE UNLICENSED CABS LOOK LIKE REGULAR ONES, AND HAVE METERS THAT RUN AT 4 TIMES THE USUAL RATE. PLEEEEEZE USE THE TAXIS FROM THE TAXI LINE WITH THE DISPACHER AT THE FRONT.
We will be waiting at the hotel for all the arriving people to assist you in checking in, welcoming you, answering questions, and introducing everyone as they arrive.
The rest of the day is at your leisure. We will have a little gathering in the lobby at about 8pm for those still awake. The time change in all of China is EST + 12 hours... or GMT +8.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, Jul15 Shanghai
Buffet BREAKFAST STARTS AT 6AM
BRIEFING AT 8AM SHARP DEPART FOR DAY AT 9AM
Trip Briefing in a hotel function room in the morning
Morning visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center showing the old, new and future Shanghai, then visit the Yu Yuan Garden & Old Town.
Shanghai Dim Sum Lunch at a local restaurant including one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon visit the famous Shanghai Museum
Welcome Western Buffet Dinner in the hotel incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer, coffee & tea. followed by a trip orientation .
(B/L/BD)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, Jul16 Shanghai
Breakfast
9AM DEPARTURE
Morning excursion to the water town of Zhujiajiao including a sampan ride on the small canals.
Chinese lunch in a local restaurant including one glass of soft drink or local beer.
After lunch return to Shanghai WITH A STOP AT A LOCAL QUALITY SHANGHAI SILK CARPET SHOP. Then, back to hotel for your own shopping, resting etc.
Dinner is on your own with suggestions from the guides
Optional acrobatic show or Bund river tour (recommended)
(B/L)
Friday, Jul 17 Shanghai/Yichang
Morning free at leisure - Please enjoy a big breakfast., as only a small lunch will be served on the flight.
HOTEL DEPARTURE AT 11:30 FOR OUR FLIGHT TO YICHANG
Transfer to the airport for SHANGHAI AIRLINES FM9365 (1340/1535)Flying to Yichang.
Arrive Yichang, city tour.
THEN TRANSFER TO OUR CRUISE SHIP WHERE WE WILL SETTLE IN, AND ENJOY A BUFFET DINNER AT OUR LEISU RE.
After dinner, WE WILL HAVE SOME GUEST LECTURERS SPEAK ABOUT INTERESTING TOPICS FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. THEN, YOU CAN EXPLORE THE SHIP ON YOUR OWN, PERHAPS TREAT YOURSELF TO A MASSAGE, AND GET A GOOD NIGHTS REST. The boat leaves the dock at midnight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, Jul18 Yangtze River Cruise
7:00am – 8:30am Xiling Gorge
8:30am – 10:30am Shore Excursion to the Three Gorges Dam
All meals on board
*The schedule is subject to change according to the weather & water level condition
(B/L/D)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY, Jul 19 Yangtze River Cruise
8:00am – 12:30pm Boat excursion to the Shennong Stream or Lesser Three Gorges
1:00pm – 3:30pm Wu Gorge
4:00pm – 4:30pm Qutang Gorge
5:00pm – 7:00pm Optional shore excursion to the White King Town
*The schedule is subject to change according to the weather & water level condition
(B/L/D)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONDAY, Jul 20 Yangtze River Cruise
8:30am - 10:30am Shore excursion to Fengdu or Shibaozhai Pagoda
(B/L/D)
This is our last full day on the ship. About an hour before dinner, we will hold our "ECLIPSE SEMINAR" where we will get a few short lectures on eclipses, and also, most important for the "eclipse virgins" a talk on eclipse timing, and all the things to expect on eclipse day. We will also hand out your ECLIPSE VIEWERS that you will use to safely watch the partial phases of the eclipse. Then, we all move to the dining room for our farewell dinner, and then enjoy our "Farewell Revieu Theater Show".
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TUESDAY, Jul21 Chongqing/Wuhan
Arrive Chongqing by dawn, HAVE OUR FINAL BREAKFAST ON THE SHIP. AND WE DISEMBARKE. THEN, A SHORT CITY TOUR AND A VISIT TO SEE THE FAMOUS LOVABLE CHINESE PANDA BEARS AT THE CHONGQING PANDA ZOO. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR CAMERA READY. THEN Transfer to airport for your flight flying to Wuhan – CHINA SOUTHERN FLIGHT #3427 DEPARTS CHONGQING AT 4:40, AND ARRIVE TO WUHAN A 5:50. THEN TRANSFER TO HO LIDAY INN RIVERSIDE IN WUHAN.
Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Riverside
Address: 88 Xi Ma Chang Jie., Hanyang, Wuhan 430050
Tel: 011-86-27-84716688
Fax: 011-86-27-84716181
DINNER AT THE HOTEL WILL BE A RIVERSIDE OUTDOOR Western style buffet Dinner OVERLOOKING THE RIVER.
(B/BD)
TUESDAY IN FULL....
Good morning... THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ECLIPSE PLANNING DAY!!!! We will have a nice buffet breakfast, pack, and be off the ship by noon today. PLEASE DONT FORGET to tip all the caring people that took care of us for the last 4 days!!!! Breakfast will be available until about 11am, then we will get on the bus, see a bit of Chingqing on a short city tour, and then go to the Panda Zoo for a visit. We then head for the airport for our flight to Wuhan. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU PACK CORRECTLY WHILE ON THE SHIP FOR THE NEXT 2 DAYS. PLEASE, IN A SEPERATE SORT OF OVERNIGHT BAG, OR PERHAPS IN A SINGLE SUITCASE FOR 2 PEOPLE, PACK THE THINGS YOU WILL NEED IN WUHAN FOR THE OVERNIGHT THERE, AS WELL AS FOR ECLIPSE DAY TOMORROW. TOMORROW, WE WILL BE LEAVING THE HOTEL BETWEEN 3AM AND 5AM FOR THE ECLIPSE VIEWING AREA, AND THEN WE WILL HEAD DIRECTLY TO THE AIRPORT WITHOUT RETURNING TO THE HOTEL. THERE IS NO NEED FOR ALL YOUR BAGS TO BE MOVED INTO THE HOTEL AND THEN REMOVED SUCH A SHORT TIME LATER. THE BAGS THAT DO NOT GO INTO THE HOTEL ROOMS WILL REMAIN ON THE BUSSES UNTIL WE ARRIVE TO THE AIRPORT AFTER THE ECLIPSE. IN AN EMERGENCY, YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THEM AT ALL TIMES, BUT THE DRIVERS WILL HAVE TO DIG THEM OUT FROM THE BUSSES. YOU WILL ONLY NEED YOUR CLOTHING FOR AN INFORMAL OUTDOOR DINNER, SLEEP, TOILET ITEMS (MOST OF THEM PROVIDED IN YOUR ROOM) AND CLOTHES FOR ECLIPSE DAY.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, Jul22 Wuhan/Xian
ECLIPSE DAY - Early morning depart hotel for the the venue to view the eclipse.
Transfer to airport for your flight to Xian - Flight Numbers CHINA SOUTHERN FLIGHT 6940 DEPARTS WUHAN AT 14:40 AND ARRIVES IN XIAN AT 17:10 .
Arrive Xian, met and transferred to your hotel
Hotel Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Xian (5*)
Address: 38B Keji Road, Xian 710075
Tel: 011-86-29-88758888
Fax: 011-96-10-88759999
DINNER AT DEFACHANG’S FAMOUS TRADITIONAL DUMPLING REST.
THE DAY WE HAVE ALL WAITED FOR. EARLY, EARLY WAKE UP, (or perhaps, not, for those that have not yet gone to sleep...) As we will have 3 busses for the group, we will have departures at 3am, 4am, and 5am. Take all you stuff, AS WE WILL NOT BE RETURNING BACK TO THE HOTEL.
We will be viewing the eclipse from the Wuhan University of BioEngineering campus, at an exclusive area just for us, and some invited guests. We will have the busses a few steps away from us at all times, so you can use the busses to keep your things there, rest, get a cool drink... whatever. It will be very easy to move any and all equipment from the busses to the actual viewing area. The actual area is a concrete campus quad area that will be roped off, with seating available. Security will also be present.
After the eclipse, we will be treated to a wonderful lunch on campus, have time to pack up, relax a bit by the lake on campus if you like, and then we will head to the airport for our flight to Xian.
-------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, Jul23 Xian
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit the Terra Cotta Museum including the Pit#1, 2 & 3, the Bronze Chariot & Circle Vision Movie.
A FUN LUNCH IS IN STORE.
Afternoon visit the ancient City Wall & Wild Goose Pogoda. THEN, BACK TO THE HOTEL FOR A SHORT REST, AND FRESHEN UP FOR DINNER AT
the Tang Dy nasty Dinner & Show at the Tang Dynaty Theatre.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, Jul24 Xian/Beijing
A QUICK 6AM EARLY BREAKFAST IN THE HOTEL, AND Transfer to morning flight flying to Beijing – HAINAN AIR #7238 DEPARTS AT 9:20 ARRIVES IN BEIJING AT 10:45. met and transferred to your hotel. SETTLE IN AND GET READY FOR THE AFTERNOON TOUR…
0A
Hotel Accommodation: The Peninsula Beijing (5*)
Address: 8 Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing, Dong Cheng district, Beijing 100006
Tel: 011-86-10-65106000
Fax: 011-86-10-65129050
Chinese lunch at THE HISTORIC BAMBOO GARDEN.restaurant incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon Hutong Tour - Visit the Beijing's old Hutong ("narrow lanes") area. At the Drum Tower, see a traditional drum performance. Then take an old-fashioned pedicab to the Chichahai Lake area with its 700-year-old arched bridges and courtyard-style homes know as Siheyuan. Tour one of the area's homes and visit with a local family. Stop at a Hutong kindergarten (if school is open) and a vegetable market.
Dinner is on pax's own tonight, WHERE YOU CAN RELAX, OR GET A MASSAGE. WE WILL HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU.
(B/L)
SATURDAY, Jul25 Beijing
Morning visit the Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City
Chinese lunch at a local restaurant incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon visit the Summer Palace with a boat ride on the Kunming Lake if weather permits.
Dinner is THE BEIJING NIGHT DINNER AND SHOW AT THE BEIJING NIGHT THEATER.
SUNDAY, Jul26 Beijing
8:30 DEPARTURE Morning visit the Great Wall at Badaling
Chinese lunch at local restaurant incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon visit the Sacred Way & Ming Tombs at Ding Tomb with the underground palace.
Farewell Peking Duck Dinner at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant.
(B/L/DP)
Monday, Jul27 Beijing/USA
BREAKFAST, HOTEL CHECK OUT, AND FAREWELL HUGS AND KISSES
Your own transfer from the hotel to Beijing airport for your homeward flight.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Mardi Gras' Fat Tuesday’s Green Smudge Comet Lulin
It was my hope to take photograph the Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday’s Green Smudge Comet Lulin. I wanted to show what Comet Lulin might look like with out a big telescopic view, from a city or slightly darker area to simulate what most would see as the comet comes closest to Earth on 2/24. I tried a couple of weeks ago but no success.
Last night 2/21, I tried again at Powell Observatory, Louisburg, KS just south of Kansas City. Some people said that the comet could now be spotted with binoculars and even naked eye! And I saw it had brightened and could see both these views as well as in our 30 inch telescope.
0n 2/21/09 returning back to Powell, I saw the brightening comet. The nucleus was brighter and so was the rest of the comet coma. It is moving away fast from the Sun.
We could see it moving across the the telescope's field. The coma was bigger and one side (left) was brighter. We could see it easily with our binoculars and could see it (naked eye) as a smudge below Saturn.
This time I was successful using my Canon Rebel XT with 55mm lens, ASA 800 at 30 seconds f/6.3.
You can see the smudge comet (6 magnitude) in the photo just under ) the 3.56 star Zanijava which is just below the brighter planet Saturn (mag 0.56) to the left of the bright blue star called Denabola, in the constellation Leo . Since it was 11:00 CT, the comet was still coming up from the East horizon and still drank in some of the lights from the horizon. Still I was glad to image it . If I could see it with naked eye and binoculars and image it without a big lens (my next attempt), you can too!
Additional information
Comet Lulin, discovered at an observatory in China , is now brightening for a date to be nearest Earth on Feb 24. Now at mag 6 we hope it will brighten to 5th. I saw it with our 30 inch telescope a couple of weeks ago using our Powell Observatory’s 39 inch telescope. Its greenish colored and was difficult to see. The nucleus was even more difficult to see.
This photo on APOD is like what I saw of it and sketched from last week. A tenuous circle like cloud like coma with viewable but difficult to see nucleus right in the center.
2/21-22/2009
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
if not 2/21 look at archivescan't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one
Also there are several nice photos on spaceweather.com
Also nice article and more pics at
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/090220-comet-lulin.html
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Glorious Eclipses
Glorious Eclipses: Their Past, Present and Future
by Serge Brunier and Jean-Pierre Luminet
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com_
As a Black Sun eclipse chaser, I've journeyed to several parts of the globe, to view seven total solar eclipses and videotape and photograph them. Total solar eclipses are nature great spectacle and while I have my memories, thoughts, ideas and published photos and videos, I always seek more about the topic. To explore further about this amazing phenomenon, I have stocked my astronomical collection with eclipse related books. After seeing the cover of this book and looking inside, I also had to have this book.
This is a big book with oversized photographs and illustrations (many that I have never seen before or look remarkably better on a bigger display) which integrate well with the content. The main premise is eclipse of the the past, present and future. The two authors have worked together, to create a book which delivers on all accounts.
The larger text makes reading easier and draws you into the celestial information. There are many brilliantly, displayed visuals that include photographs, sketches and illustrations, many which are over sized. These capture the full majesty and grandeur of different aspects of eclipses and many are ones that I have never seen. Journey of an eclipse chaser (Chapter 1), portrays personal accounts and more.The Story of eclipse,the story of people (Chapter 2), includes a nice set of great examples based on historical accounts and perspectives. .
Songs of the eclipses, and Moon (Ch. 3), waxes poetic and includes information about the integration of the Moon interplay with the Sun. The Dance of the Sun and Moon (ch 4), follows up the previous chapter by focusing about the Moon and lunar eclipse. Also eclipse paths are portrayed. Screenshots of computer planetarium software show how an eclipse on the Earth, are looked upon from outer space The Great cosmic clockwork (ch.5), expands to include the interplay of the Moon and planets, including planetary conjunctions. By the light of the eclipses (Ch.6), includes marvelous sketches of various phases of total eclipse of the Sun. Chapter 7, starts with a full 2 page photograph of the umbra (darkest eclipse shadow), as seen from the Mir Russian space station. This chapter then continues to include information concerning many aspects of the great eclipse of August 11, 1999, as viewed from different parts of the world. Finally, the book is supplemented with additional helpful celestial data and information.
Several shorter chapters include at the end include: a very nice atlas of the Sun and Moon; observing and photographing eclipse of the sun; global charts of total and annular eclipses of the Sun until 2060; Detailed charts of total and annular eclipse of the Sun until 2020 Lunar eclipses ; Observing and photographing eclipses of the Moon, Detailed charts of the total eclipses of the Moon until 2020. Lastly there is a glossary (including in-depth information about famous astronomers, eclipse and astronomical vernacular), a nice extensive index and a bibliography/index of credits.
This is a must have book for your collection if you have enjoyed eclipses, will do in the future or want to know more about the phenomenon. While it does not take the place of viewing an actual total solar eclipse, this book is exhilarating in itself as the photos are awe inspiring, like a total eclipse itself. The brilliant photographs, illustrations and sketches are both breathtaking and informational. The book also excels at integrating many facets of eclipse phenomenon with the visuals. While many books include eclipses as the main theme, this book is one that elevates the majesty of the phenomenon through the (over sized) visuals, historical and scientific perspectives, astronomical information and more.
Whether you are an eclipse chaser or will see your first (or plan to see another) eclipse, this text is nice to have at any price (it can be found at other stores for a lower price). The authors’ effort in crafting this large text is evident. While the price of the book is a steep one, the book is a wonderful display of eclipse related history, visuals and factual information of all different types. And if you are like me, you can’t get enough of such topics. Take a look at this book, if only for its grandeur and see if it needs to be in your collection.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Model Releases: A digital Photographer’s Guide to
Model Releases: A digital Photographer’s Guide to
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
Author: Dan Heller
Publisher: Wiley Publishing , Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NY 0703 Released: March 31, 2008
Pages: 288
$30 USA
$ 33 Canada
ISBN-10: 0470228563
ISBN-13: 978-0470228562
Strengths: Comprehensive information about model releases. Full color and additional hints abound through the book. Excellent model photographs highlight nice examples. Vertical tabs at the side of each page highlight main part of the section. Nice yellow like sticky notes are strategically placed throughout the book and the pages, to portray tips and highlight specific concerns or ideas that are relevant to the chapter/ pages or text.
Weaknesses: None
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Rating: 5/5
Introduction
Taking photos of people, places and many types of visuals, for publication, is commonplace. However in many lines of work, the necessity and use of model release forms is misunderstood, to say the least. Sometimes the nuances are not quite understood or well defined in many cases, by photographers or the places of business themselves. The book Model Releases: A digital Photographer’s Guide, helps to clarify the meaning of much of the process and update advanced in print media and more in recent years.
The author has been a freelance photographer and photo industry analyst. His works have been featured in publications from news and business media to fine arts books. This book is the result of over five years of his research to model releases. He is well versed in the changing trends that have transformed books, the press, music and much more, in recent years. His knowledge is transmitted to this book in a very readable and understandable way.
The seven part book covers a wide range of important topics within its 288 pages. The titles of the parts of the book highlight the necessity of model releases. These are : Everyone’s doing it ; So what’s wrong; What’s a model release ; Understanding “use”; Analyzing the need for a model release; Dealing with photos of property; The business of Licensing. The book makes it much easier to clarify when releases are needed and not needed. What buyers need in the way of model releases, and those who don't need releases are summarized. Also included is information for marketing and licensing all your photos, whether they have been released or not. Also the author does the best he can in accumulating years of information and distilling helpful information in one book.
The book is relevant to those in the United States and abroad. The author helps to define in clear terms, what should be initiated and followed through, under many situations and circumstances. He is clear and concise so that misinformation does not occur and clarity of the releases are understood. The well illustrated text is a very comprehensive book available on the subject, covering everything you would to know about model releases. The releases pertain to people, places and additional circumstances. Much has changes in light of a photographer's role in the creation of photographs that may be uses on or in conjunction with the internet, with digital photography. newspapers, books and magazines.
Conclusions
This important book is both insightful and a pleasure to read and understand. The book is useful for everyone from professional photographers whose work involves photography to those amateur photographers who take vacation pictures on vacation, take photos of at their children' s teams/games, schools or more. This book also includes information about models themselves and what they can learn about their rights concerning how they can protect themselves and when that is not possible.
The importance of this book is highlighted by the fact that a well known technology firm “stole” (or should we say “did not secure properly”), music from my daughter’s business/ firm. Whether it was on purpose or not, she had to set them straight and went through the proper channels. This was an interesting event and it served to highlight what should and needs to be done. In addition, a firm in Africa wanted to use one of my photographs for their greeting cards. To make a long story short, I had to find that person and that firm, after they used my photographs, as the individual did not forward my payment. If I would have the information from this book, I would have know the proper course of action to protect the transaction. This book would have let me know, in advance, the proper procedures so that the situation would have not occurred. Now I am better prepared. And you will be too if you read this well prepared book.
Whether you are in business, work with photographs at your home, business or use photos for personal use or involved in possible interactions with businesses, schools or more, this book is well worth reading. There is something to be said for knowing and understanding your rights, as well as the rights of clients and businesses and anything that relates with and dealing with photography and photorgaphs. That way you can make the best decision about your photographs that possibly will end up in businesses, books or elsewhere.
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
Author: Dan Heller
Publisher: Wiley Publishing , Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NY 0703 Released: March 31, 2008
Pages: 288
$30 USA
$ 33 Canada
ISBN-10: 0470228563
ISBN-13: 978-0470228562
Strengths: Comprehensive information about model releases. Full color and additional hints abound through the book. Excellent model photographs highlight nice examples. Vertical tabs at the side of each page highlight main part of the section. Nice yellow like sticky notes are strategically placed throughout the book and the pages, to portray tips and highlight specific concerns or ideas that are relevant to the chapter/ pages or text.
Weaknesses: None
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Rating: 5/5
Introduction
Taking photos of people, places and many types of visuals, for publication, is commonplace. However in many lines of work, the necessity and use of model release forms is misunderstood, to say the least. Sometimes the nuances are not quite understood or well defined in many cases, by photographers or the places of business themselves. The book Model Releases: A digital Photographer’s Guide, helps to clarify the meaning of much of the process and update advanced in print media and more in recent years.
The author has been a freelance photographer and photo industry analyst. His works have been featured in publications from news and business media to fine arts books. This book is the result of over five years of his research to model releases. He is well versed in the changing trends that have transformed books, the press, music and much more, in recent years. His knowledge is transmitted to this book in a very readable and understandable way.
The seven part book covers a wide range of important topics within its 288 pages. The titles of the parts of the book highlight the necessity of model releases. These are : Everyone’s doing it ; So what’s wrong; What’s a model release ; Understanding “use”; Analyzing the need for a model release; Dealing with photos of property; The business of Licensing. The book makes it much easier to clarify when releases are needed and not needed. What buyers need in the way of model releases, and those who don't need releases are summarized. Also included is information for marketing and licensing all your photos, whether they have been released or not. Also the author does the best he can in accumulating years of information and distilling helpful information in one book.
The book is relevant to those in the United States and abroad. The author helps to define in clear terms, what should be initiated and followed through, under many situations and circumstances. He is clear and concise so that misinformation does not occur and clarity of the releases are understood. The well illustrated text is a very comprehensive book available on the subject, covering everything you would to know about model releases. The releases pertain to people, places and additional circumstances. Much has changes in light of a photographer's role in the creation of photographs that may be uses on or in conjunction with the internet, with digital photography. newspapers, books and magazines.
Conclusions
This important book is both insightful and a pleasure to read and understand. The book is useful for everyone from professional photographers whose work involves photography to those amateur photographers who take vacation pictures on vacation, take photos of at their children' s teams/games, schools or more. This book also includes information about models themselves and what they can learn about their rights concerning how they can protect themselves and when that is not possible.
The importance of this book is highlighted by the fact that a well known technology firm “stole” (or should we say “did not secure properly”), music from my daughter’s business/ firm. Whether it was on purpose or not, she had to set them straight and went through the proper channels. This was an interesting event and it served to highlight what should and needs to be done. In addition, a firm in Africa wanted to use one of my photographs for their greeting cards. To make a long story short, I had to find that person and that firm, after they used my photographs, as the individual did not forward my payment. If I would have the information from this book, I would have know the proper course of action to protect the transaction. This book would have let me know, in advance, the proper procedures so that the situation would have not occurred. Now I am better prepared. And you will be too if you read this well prepared book.
Whether you are in business, work with photographs at your home, business or use photos for personal use or involved in possible interactions with businesses, schools or more, this book is well worth reading. There is something to be said for knowing and understanding your rights, as well as the rights of clients and businesses and anything that relates with and dealing with photography and photorgaphs. That way you can make the best decision about your photographs that possibly will end up in businesses, books or elsewhere.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Macintosh observatory and astrophotography
I opened up my MacLife issue 2/2009 and found a nice article P.50-52) "In a galaxy far, far away" by Leslie Ayers. It's about David Illig of Maryland and his very nice observatory and telescope system. His four macintosh computers, Canon 50D, two telescopes help his digital imaging and deep sky endeavors. He used Equinox software (never heard of this one) and Starry Night Pro (which I love). Very in depth and nicely written with photos.
I can't find the article online but you can take a look at it in bookstores with the MacLife magazine
Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com), Olathe, KS: Lat 38.834, Lon -94.778
I can't find the article online but you can take a look at it in bookstores with the MacLife magazine
Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com), Olathe, KS: Lat 38.834, Lon -94.778
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