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121 Seconds: The Eclipse @ Furman | David Moffett | TEDxFurmanU


is everybody ready for an astronomy

is everybody ready for an astronomy lesson this will be the second largest

lesson this will be the second largest

lesson this will be the second largest class I’ve taught the first one I’ll

class I’ve taught the first one I’ll

class I’ve taught the first one I’ll talk to you about today I’ve titled the

talk to you about today I’ve titled the

talk to you about today I’ve titled the talk 121 seconds because that’s how long

talk 121 seconds because that’s how long

talk 121 seconds because that’s how long the eclipse lasted at Furman well let me

the eclipse lasted at Furman well let me

the eclipse lasted at Furman well let me get into a little bit more what else can

get into a little bit more what else can

get into a little bit more what else can happen in 101 121 seconds well let’s

happen in 101 121 seconds well let’s

happen in 101 121 seconds well let’s think I can make a bowl of oatmeal I can

think I can make a bowl of oatmeal I can

think I can make a bowl of oatmeal I can pop a bag of popcorn on a more nerdy

pop a bag of popcorn on a more nerdy

pop a bag of popcorn on a more nerdy side you can actually bounce radar from

side you can actually bounce radar from

side you can actually bounce radar from the Earth to Venus at the speed of light

the Earth to Venus at the speed of light

the Earth to Venus at the speed of light and it takes about two minutes yeah of

and it takes about two minutes yeah of

and it takes about two minutes yeah of course there are certainly things that

course there are certainly things that

course there are certainly things that are much shorter lives yeah for example

are much shorter lives yeah for example

are much shorter lives yeah for example 121 seconds is an eternity to Higgs

121 seconds is an eternity to Higgs

121 seconds is an eternity to Higgs boson in the Large Hadron Collider

boson in the Large Hadron Collider

boson in the Large Hadron Collider before it disappears in a puff of

before it disappears in a puff of

before it disappears in a puff of subatomic particles it was very

subatomic particles it was very

subatomic particles it was very difficult to find that object because it

difficult to find that object because it

difficult to find that object because it didn’t last very long but 121 seconds is

didn’t last very long but 121 seconds is

didn’t last very long but 121 seconds is nothing compared to basically the

nothing compared to basically the

nothing compared to basically the basically the breath and of time and

basically the breath and of time and

basically the breath and of time and space of our universe this image

space of our universe this image

space of our universe this image represents an echo the Big Bang which

represents an echo the Big Bang which

represents an echo the Big Bang which Herald at the beginning of the universe

Herald at the beginning of the universe

Herald at the beginning of the universe 14 billion years ago

what 121 seconds means to me and what it

what 121 seconds means to me and what it meant for all of us that were around

meant for all of us that were around

meant for all of us that were around that very hot summer day on August 21st

that very hot summer day on August 21st

that very hot summer day on August 21st 2017 once that was the day of the great

2017 once that was the day of the great

2017 once that was the day of the great American solar eclipse it was a

American solar eclipse it was a

American solar eclipse it was a coast-to-coast solar eclipse that travel

coast-to-coast solar eclipse that travel

coast-to-coast solar eclipse that travel that basically the shadow of the moon

that basically the shadow of the moon

that basically the shadow of the moon went from basically the Pacific coast in

went from basically the Pacific coast in

went from basically the Pacific coast in Oregon across the United States to the

Oregon across the United States to the

Oregon across the United States to the Atlantic coast of Charleston it took

Atlantic coast of Charleston it took

Atlantic coast of Charleston it took only 90 minutes to cross the United

only 90 minutes to cross the United

only 90 minutes to cross the United States but the thing is it crossed right

States but the thing is it crossed right

States but the thing is it crossed right over Furman and we knew it was going to

over Furman and we knew it was going to

over Furman and we knew it was going to cross over from in years ago I was

cross over from in years ago I was

cross over from in years ago I was employed in 1999 and I knew it was gonna

employed in 1999 and I knew it was gonna

employed in 1999 and I knew it was gonna be here we’ll talk a little bit about

be here we’ll talk a little bit about

be here we’ll talk a little bit about how I knew that

how I knew that

how I knew that well the thing is there’s many steps

well the thing is there’s many steps

well the thing is there’s many steps that have to happen for an eclipse to

that have to happen for an eclipse to

that have to happen for an eclipse to happen

happen

happen and among those one you have to have an

and among those one you have to have an

and among those one you have to have an alignment of the Sun the moon and the

alignment of the Sun the moon and the

alignment of the Sun the moon and the earth a syzygy they call it in which the

earth a syzygy they call it in which the

earth a syzygy they call it in which the basically the moon shadow strikes the

basically the moon shadow strikes the

basically the moon shadow strikes the earth but that can only happen every

earth but that can only happen every

earth but that can only happen every once in a while the moon’s orbit is

once in a while the moon’s orbit is

once in a while the moon’s orbit is tilted with respect to the orbit of the

tilted with respect to the orbit of the

tilted with respect to the orbit of the Sun of the earth around the Sun by about

Sun of the earth around the Sun by about

Sun of the earth around the Sun by about five degrees so we don’t get eclipses

five degrees so we don’t get eclipses

five degrees so we don’t get eclipses every every month we don’t get a solar

every every month we don’t get a solar

every every month we don’t get a solar eclipse every month we don’t get a lunar

eclipse every month we don’t get a lunar

eclipse every month we don’t get a lunar eclipse every month because it misses

eclipse every month because it misses

eclipse every month because it misses the shadows miss all the time

the shadows miss all the time

the shadows miss all the time but there are two places in these

but there are two places in these

but there are two places in these orbital conjunctions that can occur

orbital conjunctions that can occur

orbital conjunctions that can occur they’re called nodes and if the moon

they’re called nodes and if the moon

they’re called nodes and if the moon happens to be new phase on one of these

happens to be new phase on one of these

happens to be new phase on one of these nodes you get a solar eclipse the second

nodes you get a solar eclipse the second

nodes you get a solar eclipse the second thing that has to happen is well the

thing that has to happen is well the

thing that has to happen is well the shadow actually has to reach the earth

shadow actually has to reach the earth

shadow actually has to reach the earth and the moon’s orbit is not circular

and the moon’s orbit is not circular

and the moon’s orbit is not circular it’s elliptical sometimes a little

it’s elliptical sometimes a little

it’s elliptical sometimes a little closer sometimes a little bit further

closer sometimes a little bit further

closer sometimes a little bit further away you’ve probably heard of super

away you’ve probably heard of super

away you’ve probably heard of super moons and that’s when the moon’s a

moons and that’s when the moon’s a

moons and that’s when the moon’s a little bit closer to Earth well if the

little bit closer to Earth well if the

little bit closer to Earth well if the moon’s too far its shadow can’t actually

moon’s too far its shadow can’t actually

moon’s too far its shadow can’t actually touch the earth and you end up getting a

touch the earth and you end up getting a

touch the earth and you end up getting a different kind of apparition you get

different kind of apparition you get

different kind of apparition you get what’s called an annular eclipse where a

what’s called an annular eclipse where a

what’s called an annular eclipse where a ring of sunlight ends up going around

ring of sunlight ends up going around

ring of sunlight ends up going around the moon and I’ve actually seen one of

the moon and I’ve actually seen one of

the moon and I’ve actually seen one of these they were quite nice but I’ve

these they were quite nice but I’ve

these they were quite nice but I’ve never actually saw a total eclipse until

never actually saw a total eclipse until

never actually saw a total eclipse until last year the third thing is you have to

last year the third thing is you have to

last year the third thing is you have to be at the right place at the right time

be at the right place at the right time

be at the right place at the right time now for those of us who are fortunate to

now for those of us who are fortunate to

now for those of us who are fortunate to live underneath the Eclipse path or have

live underneath the Eclipse path or have

live underneath the Eclipse path or have the means to actually travel to it

the means to actually travel to it

the means to actually travel to it that’s great you actually get to see an

that’s great you actually get to see an

that’s great you actually get to see an amazing thing and for most Americans a

amazing thing and for most Americans a

amazing thing and for most Americans a hundred million people could actually

hundred million people could actually

hundred million people could actually drive and get to see one of these that’s

drive and get to see one of these that’s

drive and get to see one of these that’s why we call it the Great American solar

why we call it the Great American solar

why we call it the Great American solar eclipse the shadow itself is only 70

eclipse the shadow itself is only 70

eclipse the shadow itself is only 70 miles across so if you’re here in

miles across so if you’re here in

miles across so if you’re here in Greenville you got to see it for

Greenville you got to see it for

Greenville you got to see it for 21 seconds if you happen to be in say

21 seconds if you happen to be in say

21 seconds if you happen to be in say they Anderson jockey lot you could see

they Anderson jockey lot you could see

they Anderson jockey lot you could see it for 158 seconds and the shadow itself

it for 158 seconds and the shadow itself

it for 158 seconds and the shadow itself is traveling across the United States at

is traveling across the United States at

is traveling across the United States at 90 minutes across the United States

90 minutes across the United States

90 minutes across the United States means it’s moving at 2200 miles per hour

means it’s moving at 2200 miles per hour

means it’s moving at 2200 miles per hour that’s faster than Iike mercial air

that’s faster than Iike mercial air

that’s faster than Iike mercial air aircraft I can only think of one

aircraft I can only think of one

aircraft I can only think of one aircraft in history that’s actually be

aircraft in history that’s actually be

aircraft in history that’s actually be able to go that fast it was a spy plane

able to go that fast it was a spy plane

able to go that fast it was a spy plane that they have discontinued the

that they have discontinued the

that they have discontinued the Blackbird well because we knew this

Blackbird well because we knew this

Blackbird well because we knew this eclipse was happening at Furman we we at

eclipse was happening at Furman we we at

eclipse was happening at Furman we we at Furman hosted an event called Eclipse at

Furman hosted an event called Eclipse at

Furman hosted an event called Eclipse at Furman and we didn’t know how many

Furman and we didn’t know how many

Furman and we didn’t know how many people were going to come but we were

people were going to come but we were

people were going to come but we were really amazed at how many did so we had

really amazed at how many did so we had

really amazed at how many did so we had on that day parents students which by

on that day parents students which by

on that day parents students which by the way was move-in day for a lot of

the way was move-in day for a lot of

the way was move-in day for a lot of upperclassmen that was a lie was chaos

upperclassmen that was a lie was chaos

upperclassmen that was a lie was chaos in its purest form of course we had

in its purest form of course we had

in its purest form of course we had faculty and staff and we had visitors

faculty and staff and we had visitors

faculty and staff and we had visitors from the Greenville community we even

from the Greenville community we even

from the Greenville community we even had visitors from a far away as Scotland

had visitors from a far away as Scotland

had visitors from a far away as Scotland I met a man from Scotland and I met a

I met a man from Scotland and I met a

I met a man from Scotland and I met a man from Japan did people come to these

man from Japan did people come to these

man from Japan did people come to these things we have Eclipse junkies that try

things we have Eclipse junkies that try

things we have Eclipse junkies that try to go to every one of these things and

to go to every one of these things and

to go to every one of these things and of course when we when we set when we

of course when we when we set when we

of course when we when we set when we were planning this we had to make sure

were planning this we had to make sure

were planning this we had to make sure that everybody had a pair of these and

that everybody had a pair of these and

that everybody had a pair of these and there’s a reason why because you know

there’s a reason why because you know

there’s a reason why because you know there’s so people are really scared of

there’s so people are really scared of

there’s so people are really scared of clips –is when I was a child they

clips –is when I was a child they

clips –is when I was a child they wouldn’t let us go out and look in an

wouldn’t let us go out and look in an

wouldn’t let us go out and look in an eclipse because you’ll burn your eyes

eclipse because you’ll burn your eyes

eclipse because you’ll burn your eyes out

out

out well we solved that problem everybody

well we solved that problem everybody

well we solved that problem everybody got a pair of glasses we also gave her

got a pair of glasses we also gave her

got a pair of glasses we also gave her buy a glass of water because it was like

buy a glass of water because it was like

buy a glass of water because it was like in the 90s that day was really hot

in the 90s that day was really hot

in the 90s that day was really hot of course the glasses came in handy

of course the glasses came in handy

of course the glasses came in handy everybody standing in the stands

everybody standing in the stands

everybody standing in the stands watching the Eclipse happen and of

watching the Eclipse happen and of

watching the Eclipse happen and of course people are breaking out their

course people are breaking out their

course people are breaking out their cell phones you know how hard it is to

cell phones you know how hard it is to

cell phones you know how hard it is to take a picture of the Sun with your cell

take a picture of the Sun with your cell

take a picture of the Sun with your cell phone

phone

phone even harder when you’re trying to take

even harder when you’re trying to take

even harder when you’re trying to take it through one of those classes I know I

it through one of those classes I know I

it through one of those classes I know I tried but there was an even better way

tried but there was an even better way

tried but there was an even better way to watch this you don’t even have to

to watch this you don’t even have to

to watch this you don’t even have to look up you could look down if you are

look up you could look down if you are

look up you could look down if you are sitting under a tree and that as the

sitting under a tree and that as the

sitting under a tree and that as the Eclipse progressed as partial went to

Eclipse progressed as partial went to

Eclipse progressed as partial went to total you can actually watch Sun

total you can actually watch Sun

total you can actually watch Sun filtering through leaves and trees and

filtering through leaves and trees and

filtering through leaves and trees and making tiny images of the Sun on the

making tiny images of the Sun on the

making tiny images of the Sun on the surface on the ground below because each

surface on the ground below because each

surface on the ground below because each leaf acts like a pinhole camera or a

leaf acts like a pinhole camera or a

leaf acts like a pinhole camera or a camera obscura as they used to call them

camera obscura as they used to call them

camera obscura as they used to call them it makes an image of the Sun underneath

it makes an image of the Sun underneath

it makes an image of the Sun underneath it’s really cool way to watch it of

it’s really cool way to watch it of

it’s really cool way to watch it of course I started off the day by setting

course I started off the day by setting

course I started off the day by setting up a small telescope outside the outside

up a small telescope outside the outside

up a small telescope outside the outside the stadium and as the day progressed we

the stadium and as the day progressed we

the stadium and as the day progressed we had more and more people show up in

had more and more people show up in

had more and more people show up in total we had about 14,000 people come to

total we had about 14,000 people come to

total we had about 14,000 people come to our event and it was totally free it’s

our event and it was totally free it’s

our event and it was totally free it’s not like Clemson that charged $50 for

not like Clemson that charged $50 for

not like Clemson that charged $50 for tailgating spots we wanted the community

tailgating spots we wanted the community

tailgating spots we wanted the community to share this experience with us

to share this experience with us

to share this experience with us for free it was great publicity too but

for free it was great publicity too but

for free it was great publicity too but my first view the park of the clips

my first view the park of the clips

my first view the park of the clips started about 1o 9 p.m. the telescope I

started about 1o 9 p.m. the telescope I

started about 1o 9 p.m. the telescope I had set up just projected Sun onto a

had set up just projected Sun onto a

had set up just projected Sun onto a onto a board so that I could other

onto a board so that I could other

onto a board so that I could other people in the inn and the people

people in the inn and the people

people in the inn and the people standing outside the stadium could

standing outside the stadium could

standing outside the stadium could actually watch it progress didn’t have

actually watch it progress didn’t have

actually watch it progress didn’t have to look at a TV screen didn’t have to

to look at a TV screen didn’t have to

to look at a TV screen didn’t have to use their glasses at about the same time

use their glasses at about the same time

use their glasses at about the same time and I set this up you notice on the on

and I set this up you notice on the on

and I set this up you notice on the on the image on the right what is it that’s

the image on the right what is it that’s

the image on the right what is it that’s there on my shoulder a cicada flew on

there on my shoulder a cicada flew on

there on my shoulder a cicada flew on and landed on me and stayed with me for

and landed on me and stayed with me for

and landed on me and stayed with me for a while and the poor little guy was

a while and the poor little guy was

a while and the poor little guy was actually confused as the Sun began to be

actually confused as the Sun began to be

actually confused as the Sun began to be blocked by the moon it got confused and

blocked by the moon it got confused and

blocked by the moon it got confused and it just flew around erratically and

it just flew around erratically and

it just flew around erratically and landed on me and stuck around for a

landed on me and stuck around for a

landed on me and stuck around for a while I thought that was pretty cool

just up the road inter-caste gorgeous a

just up the road inter-caste gorgeous a friend and local teacher my name of pari

friend and local teacher my name of pari

friend and local teacher my name of pari Weinberg he actually asked me if I had a

Weinberg he actually asked me if I had a

Weinberg he actually asked me if I had a solar filter he could borrow to take

solar filter he could borrow to take

solar filter he could borrow to take pictures of the Sun and I let him borrow

pictures of the Sun and I let him borrow

pictures of the Sun and I let him borrow one and he took these amazing photos

one and he took these amazing photos

one and he took these amazing photos of of the Eclipse starting from first

of of the Eclipse starting from first

of of the Eclipse starting from first contact when the moon’s shadow begins to

contact when the moon’s shadow begins to

contact when the moon’s shadow begins to cross over until until we reach totality

cross over until until we reach totality

cross over until until we reach totality and those are amazing pictures I

and those are amazing pictures I

and those are amazing pictures I couldn’t take any I was stuck him seeing

couldn’t take any I was stuck him seeing

couldn’t take any I was stuck him seeing the event at the stadium I couldn’t I’m

the event at the stadium I couldn’t I’m

the event at the stadium I couldn’t I’m an astronomer I wanted to do that but I

an astronomer I wanted to do that but I

an astronomer I wanted to do that but I also wanted to share about I’ve learned

also wanted to share about I’ve learned

also wanted to share about I’ve learned to share the science with the people now

to share the science with the people now

to share the science with the people now in the stands we had that some dedicated

in the stands we had that some dedicated

in the stands we had that some dedicated students and and others in the stands

students and and others in the stands

students and and others in the stands who actually wanted to capture the day

who actually wanted to capture the day

who actually wanted to capture the day in fact these are images taken by one of

in fact these are images taken by one of

in fact these are images taken by one of our physics majors ray garner he

our physics majors ray garner he

our physics majors ray garner he actually captured the approach of the

actually captured the approach of the

actually captured the approach of the moon shadow see if you’re up if you’re

moon shadow see if you’re up if you’re

moon shadow see if you’re up if you’re at high altitude you can actually see

at high altitude you can actually see

at high altitude you can actually see the shadow going across the Earth’s

the shadow going across the Earth’s

the shadow going across the Earth’s surface but if you’re on the ground you

surface but if you’re on the ground you

surface but if you’re on the ground you really can’t tell it so it starts to

really can’t tell it so it starts to

really can’t tell it so it starts to getting darker and so he actually

getting darker and so he actually

getting darker and so he actually captured you just go from the top left

captured you just go from the top left

captured you just go from the top left bottom and then to the right you can

bottom and then to the right you can

bottom and then to the right you can actually watch the shadow come but and

actually watch the shadow come but and

actually watch the shadow come but and how you know it’s there is sure the sky

how you know it’s there is sure the sky

how you know it’s there is sure the sky is getting darker but notice the clouds

is getting darker but notice the clouds

is getting darker but notice the clouds are getting darker at a distance of

course my favorite and this is one that

course my favorite and this is one that the people over in marketing actually

the people over in marketing actually

the people over in marketing actually gave me a couple of days ago this is a

gave me a couple of days ago this is a

gave me a couple of days ago this is a video showing the eclipse time-lapse

video showing the eclipse time-lapse

video showing the eclipse time-lapse photography it got crazy here you want

photography it got crazy here you want

photography it got crazy here you want to watch it again

because when this was happening the Sun

because when this was happening the Sun is being blocked by the moon the

is being blocked by the moon the

is being blocked by the moon the temperatures were cooling off and Ryan’s

temperatures were cooling off and Ryan’s

temperatures were cooling off and Ryan’s totality began to start the cicadas and

totality began to start the cicadas and

totality began to start the cicadas and the crickets and the woods behind the

the crickets and the woods behind the

the crickets and the woods behind the stay and began to sing and if you round

stay and began to sing and if you round

stay and began to sing and if you round them behind around the lake you probably

them behind around the lake you probably

them behind around the lake you probably notice the same thing I had a friend of

notice the same thing I had a friend of

notice the same thing I had a friend of mine Mike spec who teaches in education

mine Mike spec who teaches in education

mine Mike spec who teaches in education here he actually had a thermometer set

here he actually had a thermometer set

here he actually had a thermometer set up to a computer he actually watched the

up to a computer he actually watched the

up to a computer he actually watched the temperature drop by 8 degrees when it

temperature drop by 8 degrees when it

temperature drop by 8 degrees when it reached totality isn’t that amazing

of course the pictures that follow are

of course the pictures that follow are just spectacular because when totality

just spectacular because when totality

just spectacular because when totality happened at to roughly to 38 that

happened at to roughly to 38 that

happened at to roughly to 38 that afternoon the crowds that were cheering

afternoon the crowds that were cheering

afternoon the crowds that were cheering it on Olson they just became hushed and

it on Olson they just became hushed and

it on Olson they just became hushed and quiet silent we were all watching time

quiet silent we were all watching time

quiet silent we were all watching time Stood Still for us for 121 seconds and

Stood Still for us for 121 seconds and

Stood Still for us for 121 seconds and we look up we look around and everything

we look up we look around and everything

we look up we look around and everything was Twilight all around and we look up

was Twilight all around and we look up

was Twilight all around and we look up and we see things that you normally

and we see things that you normally

and we see things that you normally can’t see in daylight skies you can’t

can’t see in daylight skies you can’t

can’t see in daylight skies you can’t see the corona of the Sun you can only

see the corona of the Sun you can only

see the corona of the Sun you can only see it during the clubs or from a

see it during the clubs or from a

see it during the clubs or from a spacecraft you can’t see stars in the

spacecraft you can’t see stars in the

spacecraft you can’t see stars in the daytime by eye but here there’s a

daytime by eye but here there’s a

daytime by eye but here there’s a picture another one by ray you can

picture another one by ray you can

picture another one by ray you can actually see the star regulus right next

actually see the star regulus right next

actually see the star regulus right next to the Sun of course the most amazing

to the Sun of course the most amazing

to the Sun of course the most amazing photograph of all is one that I wanted

photograph of all is one that I wanted

photograph of all is one that I wanted to take but I’m glad somebody else did

to take but I’m glad somebody else did

to take but I’m glad somebody else did take this is taken by a professor named

take this is taken by a professor named

take this is taken by a professor named Rucker Muller it was out west taking

Rucker Muller it was out west taking

Rucker Muller it was out west taking this image you actually see the corona

this image you actually see the corona

this image you actually see the corona in it’s basically its glory these

in it’s basically its glory these

in it’s basically its glory these tendrils of light following the sun’s

tendrils of light following the sun’s

tendrils of light following the sun’s magnetic field extending from the

magnetic field extending from the

magnetic field extending from the surface of Sun all the way out into

surface of Sun all the way out into

surface of Sun all the way out into space and if you look along the edge

space and if you look along the edge

space and if you look along the edge it’s very carefully you can actually see

it’s very carefully you can actually see

it’s very carefully you can actually see tiny little bits of pink light that’s

tiny little bits of pink light that’s

tiny little bits of pink light that’s actually hot hydrogen gas floating above

actually hot hydrogen gas floating above

actually hot hydrogen gas floating above the surface of the Sun these are things

the surface of the Sun these are things

the surface of the Sun these are things we call prominences that float above the

we call prominences that float above the

we call prominences that float above the Sun sort of a surface tracked by the

Sun sort of a surface tracked by the

Sun sort of a surface tracked by the magnetic fields of the Sun and there’s

magnetic fields of the Sun and there’s

magnetic fields of the Sun and there’s one thing you might notice that on that

one thing you might notice that on that

one thing you might notice that on that day when you look by eye

day when you look by eye

day when you look by eye the moon was perfectly dark when you

the moon was perfectly dark when you

the moon was perfectly dark when you looked at it by eye but if you take a

looked at it by eye but if you take a

looked at it by eye but if you take a picture you can actually see the surface

picture you can actually see the surface

picture you can actually see the surface of the Moon where the heck is the moon

of the Moon where the heck is the moon

of the Moon where the heck is the moon where’s the light coming from

where’s the light coming from

where’s the light coming from it’s reflecting off the Earth’s surface

it’s reflecting off the Earth’s surface

it’s reflecting off the Earth’s surface back onto the moon darn the Eclipse so

back onto the moon darn the Eclipse so

back onto the moon darn the Eclipse so that’s earth shine that you’re looking

that’s earth shine that you’re looking

that’s earth shine that you’re looking at right there in that image so for us

at right there in that image so for us

at right there in that image so for us time Stood Still for 121 seconds as we

time Stood Still for 121 seconds as we

time Stood Still for 121 seconds as we enjoyed this this momentous or inspiring

enjoyed this this momentous or inspiring

enjoyed this this momentous or inspiring eclipse

eclipse

eclipse there’s tons of pictures you probably

there’s tons of pictures you probably

there’s tons of pictures you probably have some of your own but of course

have some of your own but of course

have some of your own but of course there’s photographers everywhere they

there’s photographers everywhere they

there’s photographers everywhere they took so many more much better than what

took so many more much better than what

took so many more much better than what we could ever do but again it’s that

we could ever do but again it’s that

we could ever do but again it’s that moment when the eclipse ended that was

moment when the eclipse ended that was

moment when the eclipse ended that was also just as exciting because soon as it

also just as exciting because soon as it

also just as exciting because soon as it ended

ended

ended we’re actually witnessing sunrise on the

we’re actually witnessing sunrise on the

we’re actually witnessing sunrise on the moon’s surface the moon itself had been

moon’s surface the moon itself had been

moon’s surface the moon itself had been blocking them the Sun for 121 seconds

blocking them the Sun for 121 seconds

blocking them the Sun for 121 seconds also and the Sun will rise up through a

also and the Sun will rise up through a

also and the Sun will rise up through a valley or crater and you’ll get a very

valley or crater and you’ll get a very

valley or crater and you’ll get a very tiny bit of light on one side more so

tiny bit of light on one side more so

tiny bit of light on one side more so than the others we call those Baily’s

than the others we call those Baily’s

than the others we call those Baily’s beads but then as more and more light

beads but then as more and more light

beads but then as more and more light appears around the edge of the Moon you

appears around the edge of the Moon you

appears around the edge of the Moon you actually see something that looks like a

actually see something that looks like a

actually see something that looks like a diamond ring hanging in the sky we call

diamond ring hanging in the sky we call

diamond ring hanging in the sky we call this the diamond ring effect absolutely

this the diamond ring effect absolutely

this the diamond ring effect absolutely it’s beautiful and it only lasts for a

it’s beautiful and it only lasts for a

it’s beautiful and it only lasts for a second and then it’s gone

second and then it’s gone

second and then it’s gone and that’s the thing the whole thing was

and that’s the thing the whole thing was

and that’s the thing the whole thing was over and you get that sense that I just

over and you get that sense that I just

over and you get that sense that I just saw something really oh it’s awesome and

saw something really oh it’s awesome and

saw something really oh it’s awesome and spiritual and it actually made me cry

spiritual and it actually made me cry

spiritual and it actually made me cry that day 7,000 people in the stands and

that day 7,000 people in the stands and

that day 7,000 people in the stands and I’m the one down the field crying I’ve

I’m the one down the field crying I’ve

I’m the one down the field crying I’ve never seen one before

never seen one before

never seen one before but it hooks you because you want to see

but it hooks you because you want to see

but it hooks you because you want to see another one you want to see another one

another one you want to see another one

another one you want to see another one and the thing is you you go okay well

and the thing is you you go okay well

and the thing is you you go okay well where’s the next one can I get to it

where’s the next one can I get to it

where’s the next one can I get to it because we’re not due for another one

because we’re not due for another one

because we’re not due for another one here in Greenville for a very long time

here in Greenville for a very long time

here in Greenville for a very long time so maybe we can drive to the next one

so maybe we can drive to the next one

so maybe we can drive to the next one well how do you find them how do you

well how do you find them how do you

well how do you find them how do you find it find a win and where to go well

find it find a win and where to go well

find it find a win and where to go well what you do is you just Google NASA

what you do is you just Google NASA

what you do is you just Google NASA eclipse

eclipse

eclipse it’ll take you you have one of the top

it’ll take you you have one of the top

it’ll take you you have one of the top links you’ll find is that NASA Eclipse

links you’ll find is that NASA Eclipse

links you’ll find is that NASA Eclipse website and you can navigate around and

website and you can navigate around and

website and you can navigate around and find eclipses that have happened in the

find eclipses that have happened in the

find eclipses that have happened in the past and in the future for a moment

past and in the future for a moment

past and in the future for a moment that’s some really cool stuff because

that’s some really cool stuff because

that’s some really cool stuff because that means they’ve gone through and

that means they’ve gone through and

that means they’ve gone through and modelled the solar systems motions the

modelled the solar systems motions the

modelled the solar systems motions the Sun the Moon the earth all of that and

Sun the Moon the earth all of that and

Sun the Moon the earth all of that and using a computer actually predicted when

using a computer actually predicted when

using a computer actually predicted when these things are going to occur and

these things are going to occur and

these things are going to occur and where they’re going to be where they’re

where they’re going to be where they’re

where they’re going to be where they’re going to come on earth so if you

going to come on earth so if you

going to come on earth so if you navigate around you can find a place

navigate around you can find a place

navigate around you can find a place where here’s the eclipses between 2021

where here’s the eclipses between 2021

where here’s the eclipses between 2021 and 2040 look for the United States do

and 2040 look for the United States do

and 2040 look for the United States do you see a blue line or a blue curve

you see a blue line or a blue curve

you see a blue line or a blue curve going across it that blue curve is the

going across it that blue curve is the

going across it that blue curve is the next one in the United States well

next one in the United States well

next one in the United States well there’s a red curve that’s an annular

there’s a red curve that’s an annular

there’s a red curve that’s an annular cup so I’m not going to count that one

cup so I’m not going to count that one

cup so I’m not going to count that one sorry I want to see a total one but the

sorry I want to see a total one but the

sorry I want to see a total one but the blue one that’s gonna cap that’s gonna

blue one that’s gonna cap that’s gonna

blue one that’s gonna cap that’s gonna happen in 2024 it’s gonna cut through

happen in 2024 it’s gonna cut through

happen in 2024 it’s gonna cut through Mexico through Texas the Midwest through

Mexico through Texas the Midwest through

Mexico through Texas the Midwest through western New York Maine into Canada you

western New York Maine into Canada you

western New York Maine into Canada you know and then gone it’s gonna last it’s

know and then gone it’s gonna last it’s

know and then gone it’s gonna last it’s gonna last a little bit longer than the

gonna last a little bit longer than the

gonna last a little bit longer than the one we just observed last year I’m

one we just observed last year I’m

one we just observed last year I’m certainly gonna drive to that one I

certainly gonna drive to that one I

certainly gonna drive to that one I don’t care if those classes or not the

don’t care if those classes or not the

don’t care if those classes or not the deans here I’m sure and you probably

deans here I’m sure and you probably

deans here I’m sure and you probably heard that but that’s not the light

heard that but that’s not the light

heard that but that’s not the light that’s not the next one the next one’s

that’s not the next one the next one’s

that’s not the next one the next one’s actually somewhere else we have to leave

actually somewhere else we have to leave

actually somewhere else we have to leave our our part of the world and move to

our our part of the world and move to

our our part of the world and move to another part of the world in order to

another part of the world in order to

another part of the world in order to see the next one in fact the next one is

see the next one in fact the next one is

see the next one in fact the next one is going to be in 2019 that’s just next

going to be in 2019 that’s just next

going to be in 2019 that’s just next year and it’s gonna be in South America

year and it’s gonna be in South America

year and it’s gonna be in South America look at South America and you’ll notice

look at South America and you’ll notice

look at South America and you’ll notice they’re actually two or three blue lines

they’re actually two or three blue lines

they’re actually two or three blue lines crossing that continent at the very

crossing that continent at the very

crossing that continent at the very bottom in 2019 you’ll have one that

bottom in 2019 you’ll have one that

bottom in 2019 you’ll have one that crosses from Chile into Argentina ends

crosses from Chile into Argentina ends

crosses from Chile into Argentina ends and Buenos Aires and in 2020 there’s

and Buenos Aires and in 2020 there’s

and Buenos Aires and in 2020 there’s another one not even a year later

another one not even a year later

another one not even a year later another one these people are so lucky

another one these people are so lucky

another one these people are so lucky they could just see to within driving

they could just see to within driving

they could just see to within driving distance in a year’s time and you get to

distance in a year’s time and you get to

distance in a year’s time and you get to see another one in 2020 I have to wonder

see another one in 2020 I have to wonder

see another one in 2020 I have to wonder I am Furman’s only astronomy professor

I am Furman’s only astronomy professor

I am Furman’s only astronomy professor or if they would allow me to sponsor

or if they would allow me to sponsor

or if they would allow me to sponsor made for a trip down there

made for a trip down there

made for a trip down there if you continue navigating that side you

if you continue navigating that side you

if you continue navigating that side you notice it also predicts and lunar

notice it also predicts and lunar

notice it also predicts and lunar eclipses we had a lunar eclipse two and

eclipses we had a lunar eclipse two and

eclipses we had a lunar eclipse two and a half weeks ago did you know that you

a half weeks ago did you know that you

a half weeks ago did you know that you probably don’t remember the Eclipse but

probably don’t remember the Eclipse but

probably don’t remember the Eclipse but you probably remember the moniker super

you probably remember the moniker super

you probably remember the moniker super blue blood moon do you remember that is

blue blood moon do you remember that is

blue blood moon do you remember that is in the news very briefly but the thing

in the news very briefly but the thing

in the news very briefly but the thing is it was another eclipse less than a

is it was another eclipse less than a

is it was another eclipse less than a year after the solar eclipse in August

year after the solar eclipse in August

year after the solar eclipse in August we had one two and a half weeks ago it

we had one two and a half weeks ago it

we had one two and a half weeks ago it looked kind of like that from here at

looked kind of like that from here at

looked kind of like that from here at Furman I took this picture a couple of

Furman I took this picture a couple of

Furman I took this picture a couple of students and I were brave the cold is in

students and I were brave the cold is in

students and I were brave the cold is in the 20s it’s 6:00 in the morning we’re

the 20s it’s 6:00 in the morning we’re

the 20s it’s 6:00 in the morning we’re just down above the playing fields above

just down above the playing fields above

just down above the playing fields above the track just down the road from this

the track just down the road from this

the track just down the road from this from this building and we took these

from this building and we took these

from this building and we took these pictures and witnessed another Eclipse

super because it’s close to the earth

super because it’s close to the earth remember the ellipticity of the moon’s

remember the ellipticity of the moon’s

remember the ellipticity of the moon’s orbit it’s closer to the earth it looks

orbit it’s closer to the earth it looks

orbit it’s closer to the earth it looks bigger it’s blue because it’s the second

bigger it’s blue because it’s the second

bigger it’s blue because it’s the second full moon of the month and then blood

full moon of the month and then blood

full moon of the month and then blood because that’s the color of the Moon

because that’s the color of the Moon

because that’s the color of the Moon turns when there’s a lunar close so now

turns when there’s a lunar close so now

turns when there’s a lunar close so now for the last sort of a hundred

for the last sort of a hundred

for the last sort of a hundred twenty-one seconds remaining of my talk

twenty-one seconds remaining of my talk

twenty-one seconds remaining of my talk here I want to talk a little bit about

here I want to talk a little bit about

here I want to talk a little bit about the history of eclipses just briefly the

the history of eclipses just briefly the

the history of eclipses just briefly the thing is would it surprise you to know

thing is would it surprise you to know

thing is would it surprise you to know that we’ve been able to predict these

that we’ve been able to predict these

that we’ve been able to predict these things for over 2,000 years now you know

things for over 2,000 years now you know

things for over 2,000 years now you know that the NASA Eclipse website didn’t

that the NASA Eclipse website didn’t

that the NASA Eclipse website didn’t exist that long ago

exist that long ago

exist that long ago we didn’t have computers there’s no laws

we didn’t have computers there’s no laws

we didn’t have computers there’s no laws of physics but there were a lot of

of physics but there were a lot of

of physics but there were a lot of clever astronomers people who watch the

clever astronomers people who watch the

clever astronomers people who watch the skies but then you have to wonder how

skies but then you have to wonder how

skies but then you have to wonder how could they have predicted when it closed

could they have predicted when it closed

could they have predicted when it closed as a curve win when you look at that map

as a curve win when you look at that map

as a curve win when you look at that map right there that’s twenty years worth of

right there that’s twenty years worth of

right there that’s twenty years worth of eclipses and you look at any one

eclipses and you look at any one

eclipses and you look at any one particular place you don’t necessarily

particular place you don’t necessarily

particular place you don’t necessarily get an eclipse for years or even

get an eclipse for years or even

get an eclipse for years or even generations from one instance to the

generations from one instance to the

generations from one instance to the next and there are hundreds if not

next and there are hundreds if not

next and there are hundreds if not thousands of miles separated by distance

thousands of miles separated by distance

thousands of miles separated by distance on land so how could they have predicted

on land so how could they have predicted

on land so how could they have predicted when solar eclipse has occurred we have

when solar eclipse has occurred we have

when solar eclipse has occurred we have to go back to the very almost the very

to go back to the very almost the very

to go back to the very almost the very first panel I showed you there’s two

first panel I showed you there’s two

first panel I showed you there’s two sets of alignments that are possible one

sets of alignments that are possible one

sets of alignments that are possible one Sun Moon earth the other Sun Earth Moon

Sun Moon earth the other Sun Earth Moon

Sun Moon earth the other Sun Earth Moon which is what results oops which is what

which is what results oops which is what

which is what results oops which is what results in a lunar eclipse they share

results in a lunar eclipse they share

results in a lunar eclipse they share the same patterns in time and these

the same patterns in time and these

the same patterns in time and these ancient Greek astronomers over 2,000

ancient Greek astronomers over 2,000

ancient Greek astronomers over 2,000 years ago actually figured out the

years ago actually figured out the

years ago actually figured out the pattern because it turns out that when

pattern because it turns out that when

pattern because it turns out that when the moon comes into the Earth’s shadow

the moon comes into the Earth’s shadow

the moon comes into the Earth’s shadow at totality every one on the nighttime

at totality every one on the nighttime

at totality every one on the nighttime side of the earth no matter where you

side of the earth no matter where you

side of the earth no matter where you are can see that lunar eclipse and so

are can see that lunar eclipse and so

are can see that lunar eclipse and so over this over the years decades

over this over the years decades

over this over the years decades centuries they were recorded the

centuries they were recorded the

centuries they were recorded the instance of all of these lunar eclipses

instance of all of these lunar eclipses

instance of all of these lunar eclipses and of course solar eclipses and found

and of course solar eclipses and found

and of course solar eclipses and found the pattern in a period of time of about

the pattern in a period of time of about

the pattern in a period of time of about 223 lunar months cycles of the moon

223 lunar months cycles of the moon

223 lunar months cycles of the moon going around the earth you get the same

going around the earth you get the same

going around the earth you get the same eclipse we call that a serous cycle it

eclipse we call that a serous cycle it

eclipse we call that a serous cycle it actually takes a few serous cycles for

actually takes a few serous cycles for

actually takes a few serous cycles for that Eclipse to come right back to your

that Eclipse to come right back to your

that Eclipse to come right back to your location on earth it’ll appear somewhere

location on earth it’ll appear somewhere

location on earth it’ll appear somewhere else and there’s multiples of these

else and there’s multiples of these

else and there’s multiples of these cycles occurring in a given time each

cycles occurring in a given time each

cycles occurring in a given time each one of these represents a different

one of these represents a different

one of these represents a different sarah cycle and if you wait 303 sarah

sarah cycle and if you wait 303 sarah

sarah cycle and if you wait 303 sarah cycles you’ll see this map replicated

cycles you’ll see this map replicated

cycles you’ll see this map replicated again in time

that’s really powerful considering you

that’s really powerful considering you have a people who have no computers and

have a people who have no computers and

have a people who have no computers and no concept of laws of physics but they

no concept of laws of physics but they

no concept of laws of physics but they had eyes and they had brains and they

had eyes and they had brains and they

had eyes and they had brains and they were very clever now they of course felt

were very clever now they of course felt

were very clever now they of course felt that the earth was the center of the

that the earth was the center of the

that the earth was the center of the universe and measured everything as if

universe and measured everything as if

universe and measured everything as if everything we’re going around the earth

everything we’re going around the earth

everything we’re going around the earth the Sun the Moon the planets and someone

the Sun the Moon the planets and someone

the Sun the Moon the planets and someone they even built a machine what we

they even built a machine what we

they even built a machine what we consider one of the earliest mechanical

consider one of the earliest mechanical

consider one of the earliest mechanical computers this was a machine the

computers this was a machine the

computers this was a machine the Antikythera mechanism was found in a

Antikythera mechanism was found in a

Antikythera mechanism was found in a shipwreck in 1902 it was actually after

shipwreck in 1902 it was actually after

shipwreck in 1902 it was actually after some studies over the years we found out

some studies over the years we found out

some studies over the years we found out to be a very complex machine that you

to be a very complex machine that you

to be a very complex machine that you turn a crank it acts like an

turn a crank it acts like an

turn a crank it acts like an astronomical calendar in computer it

astronomical calendar in computer it

astronomical calendar in computer it actually you can actually make the

actually you can actually make the

actually you can actually make the planets and the moon and the Sun go

planets and the moon and the Sun go

planets and the moon and the Sun go around and around and on the backside is

around and around and on the backside is

around and around and on the backside is a little dial indicating when the next

a little dial indicating when the next

a little dial indicating when the next Eclipse occurred there wasn’t a machine

Eclipse occurred there wasn’t a machine

Eclipse occurred there wasn’t a machine of this life made anytime between that

of this life made anytime between that

of this life made anytime between that time period in the end of the Middle

time period in the end of the Middle

time period in the end of the Middle Ages and speaking of that that’s science

Ages and speaking of that that’s science

Ages and speaking of that that’s science that’s science being able to predict or

that’s science being able to predict or

that’s science being able to predict or model something and then it be repentant

model something and then it be repentant

model something and then it be repentant repeating repeated over time and again

repeating repeated over time and again

repeating repeated over time and again being able to predict events as they

being able to predict events as they

being able to predict events as they occur that science even though the

occur that science even though the

occur that science even though the scientific method didn’t really exist

scientific method didn’t really exist

scientific method didn’t really exist but 15 centuries later notable

but 15 centuries later notable

but 15 centuries later notable scientists like Copernicus Kepler and

scientists like Copernicus Kepler and

scientists like Copernicus Kepler and Galileo you may have heard of these

Galileo you may have heard of these

Galileo you may have heard of these people actually studied and actually

people actually studied and actually

people actually studied and actually observed and found evidence that it

observed and found evidence that it

observed and found evidence that it wasn’t the earth at the center of the

wasn’t the earth at the center of the

wasn’t the earth at the center of the motion it was the Sun they challenged

motion it was the Sun they challenged

motion it was the Sun they challenged the ancient Greek models it was sort of

the ancient Greek models it was sort of

the ancient Greek models it was sort of an astronomical revolution which really

an astronomical revolution which really

an astronomical revolution which really is a great example of how the scientific

is a great example of how the scientific

is a great example of how the scientific method works and how science evolves

method works and how science evolves

method works and how science evolves over time because in essence science

over time because in essence science

over time because in essence science builds on the observations of previous

builds on the observations of previous

builds on the observations of previous observations

observations

observations basically the goal is the same the

basically the goal is the same the

basically the goal is the same the pursuit of truth

politicians yeah maybe you know where

politicians yeah maybe you know where I’m going with this some politicians not

I’m going with this some politicians not

I’m going with this some politicians not all kind of deny the science that we’re

all kind of deny the science that we’re

all kind of deny the science that we’re actually teaching our students but you

actually teaching our students but you

actually teaching our students but you can’t deny an eclipse we all came

can’t deny an eclipse we all came

can’t deny an eclipse we all came together on that day in August last year

together on that day in August last year

together on that day in August last year to observe to witness the great American

to observe to witness the great American

to observe to witness the great American solar eclipse we’ve got to witness the

solar eclipse we’ve got to witness the

solar eclipse we’ve got to witness the power the predictive power of science

power the predictive power of science

power the predictive power of science that it wasn’t harmful to the mind and

that it wasn’t harmful to the mind and

that it wasn’t harmful to the mind and body especially if you had a pair of

body especially if you had a pair of

body especially if you had a pair of these and last it doesn’t have to be an

these and last it doesn’t have to be an

these and last it doesn’t have to be an eclipse that brings us all together um

eclipse that brings us all together um

eclipse that brings us all together um I’m happy to say that a few weeks ago we

I’m happy to say that a few weeks ago we

I’m happy to say that a few weeks ago we also witnessed another event you might

also witnessed another event you might

also witnessed another event you might remember this

kudos to Elon Musk for sharing his love

kudos to Elon Musk for sharing his love of science and for using it to actually

of science and for using it to actually

of science and for using it to actually blaze a trail he really wants to go to

blaze a trail he really wants to go to

blaze a trail he really wants to go to Mars but I think we’re gonna go beyond

Mars but I think we’re gonna go beyond

Mars but I think we’re gonna go beyond Mars thank you

Mars thank you

Mars thank you [Music]

[Applause]

[Applause] [Music]

”

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