I supported the local Basingstoke Astronomical Society today in showcasing the partial eclipse with the public from across Basingstoke. We were running a last minute event from Cliddesden Primary School in the playing field which is surrounded by beautiful countryside. We expected as with similar viewing events for a few 10s of people to turn up, however due to social media and the the story running on the local paper website we were about to swamped by many hundreds of visitors all eager to see the eclipse safely.
I arrived and started setting up at 4:30pm. There was already a queue waiting to be told to come on the field. As soon as my Sky-Watcher HelioStar 76Ha was setup I called the public onto the field and they started to queue and view through my scope whilst the others from our society setup. My queue never let up for 4 hours!
Absolutely amazing and the plaudits given from the very young to the very old were so rich and welcoming. It is an absolute pleasure to inspire the public and share the wonders of the universe around us, I hope that many will look us up online and become interested in our little society.
I recorded the event with the Seestar S50 with my family member Luke running not only my Seestar but also his S30 at the same time. The end of the eclipse was missed due to the Sun setting behind the trees in the distance.
A selection of frames from this image can be seen below.
