And I say eclipocolypse because it's totally nuts here right now. The expectation is that over 1 million people are pouring into the state for this event and they are arriving already. There is a major music festival held annually in different parts of the US and this year, because of the eclipse, they decided to hold it here, in very rural Oregon. It was in San Diego last year and 40,000 people attended the 3-day event. It started today, with people starting to arrive yesterday. The small town of about 9,000 people nearest the venue ran out of gasoline yesterday. All 17,000 rental cars at Portland International Airport are now taken, as is most of the rental cars in the city of Portland, which will only have a 99.6% totality, not 100%. A group of Japanese scientists have rented out one of the local resorts entirely, while a group of Irish scientists have rented out another one. I intend to make that 10 mile journey on the morning of the eclipse. The time of totality is slated for 10:19 am here, but with the expected traffic, I anticipate I will need to begin my journey by 5 am in order to arrive where I want 10 miles north.

I suppose it would depend on the filter and your white balance setting. I have a solar filter for my 5" reflector telescope but the image of the sun isn't this bright yellow, it's a dull gold, like this. I plan to dig it out and place it over my lens to see if my camera can shoot it properly, believing that if it can protect my telescope it can certainly protect my camera. Incidentally, I used it to watch the transit of Venus across the face of the sun on June 8, 2004, and the atmosphere of Venus appeared as a neon green in the lens. I experienced a near-total eclipse and, if you haven't yet, it's incredibly weird; it gets dark, yes, but the temperature drops suddenly and the birds may even stop chirping. It's an experience to remember.

Have a blast! We're expecting to see photos!

-Nik

I had some trouble creating that link (thumbs in my ears?) but it's fixed now. Were you able to open it?

-Nik

Yes

Very interesting 'capture' (☺), narrative, and additional comment, Ted.
Hope you'll 'survive' (☺) the complete 'foolishness' in your area caused by 'scientists'.
Although I already knew what direct sunshine can do with a photo chip in a DSLR or other digital camera, I appreciate the by you repeated warning.
When I take a so called 'against the light' capture, I use a 'heavy' CPF (Circular Polarization filter), but then I'm still very careful!

I like how it turned out either by the sun itself, or the haze of the smoke. I will not be trying to take any pics. I don't have the proper items to take such a shot. Sounds like it has gotten pretty crazy out your way. I will be able to witness it here as well. tigs=^..^=

Wow. I have been reading about all the craziness these small towns across the nation have been dealing with leading up to the eclipse. I will be able to see 86 percent of the eclipse where I am. I was going to drive up to see 100 percent (totality) but I am glad I never followed through, it's going to be a madhouse.

Lol @ your title!

Your pre-eclipse, possibly forest fire influenced, experimental, yellow dot sun shot reminds me of some art that I once saw at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. (Hammers up a small museum placard next to gr8fulted's posting. Required pretentious museum title: 'Yellow Eye of Black Panther' or 'Honey Drop on Darkest Onyx')

I am so excited for you, Ted. I hope you get some great shots (of the people and eclipse) and get to see and photograpgh the eclipse totality's "ring of fire".

I will not be able to see the eclipse in all its glory. It will only be about 95% where I am at (which apparently won't produce any dramatic changes in lighting, etc). And they are now predicting thunderstorms in my area for Monday. So the only totality that I will get to see is if the storm knocks out the electricity. :(

Be safe! Have fun!!