Partial Eclipse Phenomenon Observation Tool

prusaprinters

During a partial solar eclipse (or the partial phases before and after a total solar eclipse) certain phenomena can be observed using this tool.Print this shape and hold it in direct sunshine where the shadow is cast onto the ground or other flat surface.  At particular times during the overall eclipse you will notice that certain parallel surfaces of this shape are in focus while the sides perpendicular (90 degrees from those) will appear to be out of focus or blurry.  You may also be able to observe shadow snakes or ripple motions in the shadows of the shape.  The holes along each arm can be used to project the disc of the eclipse onto the ground.  Note that the direction of the crescent projection will flip before and after the total eclipse.Everything I know about eclipses I learned from Destin on the SmarterEveryDay channel on YouTube.  He mentions using a tool similar to this in the video (I've bookmarked the specific point where the mention the tool, but strongly suggest watching the entire video…)The person Devin is interviewing in this episode is an astronomer and eclipse fanatic named Dr. Gordon Telepun.  He has developed a great phone app called “Solar Eclipse Timer (Foxwood Astronomy)” that will help you know the state and timing of the solar eclipse at your current location while observing it.  The app is free, specific data about an eclipse event is a $2 in-app purchase.  It does not find the eclipse for you, but it does help you time your observation of the eclipse and of phenomena during the eclipse.  He has also written a book on eclipses and observing them that is available where such things are sold.  "Eclipse Day 2001 and More!" by Gordon Telepun".Do NOT directly observe the sun visually (don't look at it with your eyes.)  This tool is designed to be placed in sunlight to cast shadows and projections that you can observe on the ground or other flat surface.