Eclipse Movie

I originally produced an AVI version of the movie, but later re-processed it into Windows Media (WMV) format as well. One version or the other should play on all computers, but I don't guarantee it as I can't be sure how you've got things set up. Windows Media Player or Real Player should both be OK. The AVI version is rather large though - over 14Mbytes. I thus recommend that anyone without broadband doesn't try to view it - a download using 56k dial-up will take rather a long time, to put it mildly! The WMV version is considerably smaller though, at just 4.4Mbytes, so is the better bet if you can play this format. Alternatively, if you want to get just the flavour of the event, try the soundtrack instead at a mere 2Mbytes. You could also try the (AVI) version on the Movies page [Astrophotographs section] for improved resolution.

The movie starts about 10secs before the onset of totality and is wildly out of focus for a while as the video settles down. The start of totality is marked by a definite upsurge of emotion from the crowd though! The pink/purple shading to top left of the moon at this point is genuine, caused by a large prominence visible at this time. Similarly, just before the end of totality an arc of prominences causes the bottom right sector to glow purple. The diamond ring effect as totality comes to an end, and the camera is overwhelmed again, is particularly dramatic!

If you listen carefully to the soundtrack it's surprising how many comments you can pick out - fortunately no-one said anything they shouldn't! The cheering of the huge crowd in the background certainly helps the atmosphere of the event.

  Eclipse Movie (AVI)     Eclipse Movie (WMV)     Eclipse Soundtrack