Annular Eclipse Spain 2005

I was fortunate enough to visit Spain in early Oct 2005 and share a spectacular view of the Annular eclipse of the Sun with family.

We had awoken early to perfect clear skies and drove 60 miles West of Madrid to Villacastin to ensure we would be dead centre on the eclipse shadow.

The drive West on the A6 forced us over hills that were shrouded in thick mist, only on the approach to Villacastin did the mist break to allow the rising sun to be viewed.

We quickly set up the equipment with plenty of time before first contact, another couple of astronomers had set up close to our site with a large array of telescopes and digital cameras now under perfect skies to view the eclipse.

First contact was around 0950, we watched the sun slowly dissapear though filtered telescopes, binoculars and naked eye while taking images every few moments.

The light changed and as Annularity approached high above airctaft could be heard and seen following the moons shadow, the temperture took quite a drop which added to the whole errie experience.

All too quickly we saw third contact and watched/ imaged the sun till the moon had gone.

Click HERE for images