Total Solar Eclipse 2008 - Russia

I can't even remember properly now, Vagelis!
I think it was about my 4" refractor equatorial mount...instead of moving freely in both axes it seems to rotate in increments in the RA axis.
Very strange, as if it was held by a spring, jerking back when it moved!
I stopped using the tripod because of it.

I hope this might help a bit: Improving the TAL Mount.pdf
Vagelis.

If the previous link doesn't work, try:
www.astrovox.gr/forum/download.php?id=5032

I just read something today that said the eclipse from Europe will be about 25% total.

That's a nice big chunck being eclipsed.

Nowhere near as awesome as a total eclipse....but beggers cant be choosers.

Paul,

Do not be fooled by the 25% ... it is nothing! The sun is so bright that totality is the only real means to appreciate the fact that an eclipse is in progress.

I know but ive seen a partial eclipse twice before and it knocked my socks off. Not sure what % of totality they were but i didnt care.

Of course my life long dream is to see a total eclipse. I will one day.

I just have to cherck my celestial diary to see when one happens close to home and i can travel to see it.

You know you're nuts when you start organizing your summer holidays around solar eclipses, going to countries you would NOT normally go to and traveling to places you've only heard of on the Discovery channel describing the fall out from Chernobyl!
Still though, its worth it !