[Reno89519]

We are driving from Reno up to John Day area on Sunday--eight hour drive each way. Got several locations spotted on satellite maps where we will camp out Sunday night. Expecting the worst but with 4x4 we can get away from the crowds.

Last night built a pin-hole solar observatory, which I'll finish and test today. Making a project out of it... Nice wood box (48x12x12), with mount for adjustable lens at one end, internally will have stand for iPhone to record, and two viewing ports. Doing a lot more for this so we can look at corona, sunspots, and other upcoming solar events (Mercury transit). Going to mount this on my motorized telescope mount (have a 10" telescope).

But the crowds, out in the middle of nowhere? Hopefully not. I did read last night that Wieser, Idaho, is anticipating 70,000 people presumably from Treasure Valley area. That's like a third of the population.

Hopefully someone is watching out for thieves just drooling over everyone leaving town for a few hours.

[BenLurkin]

Wow!

And I’ll just be poking a hole in an index card. (But only 50% eclipse here)

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I made a projector today for our 4.5 inch reflector. Tested out today and it worked great. Saw sunspots very clearly. The telescope has a solar cover with a circular hole in it that obscures about 75% of the light.

A Compact, Lightweight Solar Projection Viewer

I simplified the design somewhat by using thin aluminum strip stock from the hardware store and bolted it to the Hoop-La embroidery hoop with 4-40 flat head machine screws. I attached the three legs to the eyepiece with a simple hose clamp.

Unfortunately the Sisters fire really took off today and air quality took a bad nose dive. Wondering if I need to head further east and maybe to Idaho.