Any fellow Aggies making the trip down to Patagonia for the Total Solar Eclipse of 12/14/20? I'm flying out Thursday if all zee papers are in order; trip is still happening (as of this particular hour). Mandatory 14 day pre-travel isolation protocol, 14 day health reporting, and pre/post PCR testing for entry.

I "tested" the local test system and received a negative result from RT-PCR test in 18hrs in Austin on Saturday. Received negative results today on yesterday's <72 hour window test and now I'm all set to travel. First test lady said "it's like getting water in your nose at the swimming pool." The second test guy: "It's like listening to my ex-wife." ;-)

I can post updates for anyone interested. As far as current travel to Argentina is concerned, they are closed to international travelers outside of neighboring countries until 12/15/20 (we obtained a special permit for "Eclipse of 2020" travel that has its own set of protocols). Mandatory PCR test upon arrival. We will be handled much like a sports team on a road game (bubble for Eclipse travelers).

For more info on solar eclipses here's a thread from last summer in nerdery:

https://texags.com/forums/30/topics/3043625

My gear is all set up to capture images again this year from the high desert... it always takes a little luck.

"Watch the eclipse, not your gear."
-Wise Man Fred Espenak

The wife and I talked about it after our trip to Georgia to see the last eclipse but decided it wasn't in the cards. I am very jealous!

I'm waiting for the one right here in Texas in 2024.

But if it is within your means to go to Argentina, by all means, do it! I drove my kids up to Nebraska for the last one, it was so worth it. What a memory for my kids, and it was a lifelong desire for me to experience a total eclipse, and man, it did not disappoint.

Given that weather could always mess with your experience, give yourself as many opportunities to experience one as you can.

And IF you do it, if you are not an experienced eclipse chase, make sure you are in the path of totality. 99% won't do. The difference between 99% and 100% is vast.

8/21/17 changed my perspective on things (our place in the universe). We flew to Nashville and had an awe inspiring time. I'm now on a path of always being in the path (if possible). Made it to Argentina last year 7/2/19 and it was glorious. It was near sunset and much different from the noon-ish experience. Indeed: 99% does not cut it... 100% or nothing (literally day and night difference!).

Here is an old imgur collection from last summer:

https://imgur.com/gallery/yaTm2F9

Image bracket (exposure changed to catch inner and outer solar corona):

https://imgur.com/gallery/XsRYSdq

Composite of 7/2/19:

Bluecat_Aggie94 said:

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I'm waiting for the one right here in Texas in 2024.

But if it is within your means to go to Argentina, by all means, do it! I drove my kids up to Nebraska for the last one, it was so worth it. What a memory for my kids, and it was a lifelong desire for me to experience a total eclipse, and man, it did not disappoint.

Given that weather could always mess with your experience, give yourself as many opportunities to experience one as you can.

And IF you do it, if you are not an experienced eclipse chase, make sure you are in the path of totality. 99% won't do. The difference between 99% and 100% is vast.

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Brilliant!!

Arrived in Buenos Aires. Mandated PCR Covid test results were negative for entire group... "clean" bubble.

Dang they went double dip in both nostrils here jeez. Onward to Neuquen tomorrow. The other half of our tour group goes to Bariloche. Only 36 of us total remain from the 800 original eclipse travelers; the first 36 international tourists since March (an eclectic bunch of nerds sans me).

We had Malbec(s) and steak for lunch today on lovely city tour. Gorgeous city. They are happy to see tourists again. "Stay safe & Clear skies"

I've got the 2024 in my calendar looks like central Texas will get it the best. Will take the day off with the family. Looking like Kerville area 130p is going to be the ticket

Sorry to derail your Argentina thread: https://nationaleclipse.com/cities_total.html

following - when does it happen today??

It happened!! Totality occurred at 1:07pm in the Patagonia region of Argentina (10:07 Central) and it was epic and beautiful. I managed to capture great imaging data and will post upon return!

Winds were constant at 40mph ...plus gusts... but the locals laughed, shrugged, and just said, "Patagonia!"

We had to change pastures at the eclipse observation site and find wind protection behind the tall trees. Camera gear with long exposure settings no likey wind.

Flying back up to Buenos Aires maana and arrive in Austin Thur.

We had an epic day for the long term memory bank.

Every night ends with red wine and steak; it's exhausting.

Replay!

Dp

Compressed images from my camera:

Guppy91 said:

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8/21/17 changed my perspective on things (our place in the universe). We flew to Nashville and had an awe inspiring time. I'm now on a path of always being in the path (if possible). Made it to Argentina last year 7/2/19 and it was glorious. It was near sunset and much different from the noon-ish experience. Indeed: 99% does not cut it... 100% or nothing (literally day and night difference!).

Here is an old imgur collection from last summer:

https://imgur.com/gallery/yaTm2F9

Image bracket (exposure changed to catch inner and outer solar corona):

https://imgur.com/gallery/XsRYSdq

Composite of 7/2/19:

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cool, i was in nashville 8/21/17 also! jealous of your experiences with other eclipses!

Awesome shots, thanks for sharing!

Posted a recap link on Nerdery... posting here because travel.

Total Solar Eclipse Recap

Recap from Nasa Astronomical Society head Paul Maley (has been to 294 countries... there are only 193).