Annular solar eclipse Singapore 2019

Whenever I hear of an upcoming astronomical event, I think of giving it a miss by reasoning that I do not have to photograph every single one. As the day approaches, I start preparing my gear and organising my shoot. 真香定律.

Thanks to the partial solar eclipse back in 2016, I am well-equipped for this rare annular solar eclipse with solar glasses and a handmade filter for my Sigma. I cannot emphasise how important it is to have a solar filter when viewing eclipses. So many people risked having eye damage and frying their camera sensors because of inadequate protection.

To track the eclipse, I initially camped at a roof terrace. However, I realised the sun was going to be blocked by tall office buildings and quickly shifted to an open carpark. My setup soon attracted a lot of eclipse viewers who eagerly snapped photographs of my camera screen.

My setup. It was so h-o-t.

A photograph of my screen as I waited for maximum eclipse.

I think my location was not sufficiently south as the Ring of Fire was not perfect. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the event. In my excitement, I made a composite using Powerpoint instead of waiting till I reached home to edit with Photoshop.

The next eclipse will be a partial solar eclipse in June next year. I hope I am lucky enough to photograph it too.