Observing the Total Solar Eclipse of August 21, 2017 from Optical and Communication Properties

Abstract

On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse was observed in certain parts of the United States (US), within a narrow corridor of 110 km wide having magnitude 1.0306. The path of totality was visible in 14 states, while other states noted a partial eclipse. Highlighting the principle of obscuring the Sun from a viewer on earth, including the geometry of a total solar eclipse, we witnessed the orbits of the Earth and Moon, including the phases observed during totality. Within this paper, we have presented some interesting eclipse photographs with the diamond ring effect as well as Baily's beads before totality. Sequences of the solar eclipse have been examined and some characteristics have been pointed out, e.g., the visibility of the stars and 4 planets at such times. In addition, radio propagation and observations at 21cm during the period before and after the event have examined. To expand on the other part of the spectrum, Mr. Ralph Boyd utilized the Radio Astronomy Supplies, Spectracyber” II (Continuum and Spectral radio telescope) running the Raspberry Pi3 with the Spectracyber” RPi software to make successive scans of the Sun at the 21cm Hydrogen frequency.