1. Introduction
2. Observer Related Obstacles
3. Environmental Obstacles
4. Cultural Obstacles
5. Recommended Reading

Much of this document is under construction; however, a synopsis for each point is currently included. Some of the points in this paper are also addressed in my papers entitled "Steps to a Successful Eclipse Expedition" and "Cultural Reality at Your Eclipse Destination; When Caution May Be in Order".

Introduction:

What can go wrong during an eclipse expedition? Everything! A lot of these potential problems can be overcome by good planning, but there can always be surprises.

It is good to simplify one's procedure, especially for one's first eclipse; however, simplicity does not always mean that you just follow the cookie cutter "how to's" of eclipses in this or any other publication. If you are given to creativity, think of your own projects. A NEW project does not necessarily have to be a COMPLICATED project! There was a "first time" for many of the eclipse projects which are now practiced by many people:

...a first shadow band drawing, a first written description of totality, a first light curve of an eclipse, a first corona photo taken with a radial gradient filter, a first corona photo taken with a central anti-vignetting disk, a first all-sky picture taken during totality, a first 360 degree panoramic picture taken during totality...

...and if the next eclipse is your first one, it will definitely be a "first" for you!

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Observer Related Obstacles:

• Too Little Planning!
  Plan and improvise, if you don't, you'll have:
• Too Little Time!
  Don't overextend yourself before or during eclipse, or you may have:
• Too Little Sleep!
  Though many don't realize it, this is major culprit, and it could make you:
• Too Tired!
  Improvise and learn, or you'll have:
• Too Much to Do!
  Prioritize. Eliminate tasks and practice your new pared down procedure. If you get behind, skip some things. The eclipse won't wait for you to catch up!
• Too Much to See!
  There IS too much to see! Prioritize, or you'll be:
• Too Excited! (You may be excited anyway, but maybe not TOO excited)
  Don't have a rushed or over scheduled trip before eclipse.
• Too Much Stuff!
  Bring and use less stuff. Determine the equipment REQUIREMENTS for the kind of pictures you want, and bring only what meets these requirements (with the possible exception of bringing an extra camera body). Prioritize. If you have too much stuff AND you're tired, your setup time may become hopelessly long! Why press your luck?
• Too Sick!
  Bring plastic or a blanket to lay down on. Allow extra time for everything. Give yourself enough rest to have a chance of recovery before the eclipse.
• Too Many Internal Amoebas!
  Exercise Caution, bring lots of toilet paper, plastic bags, spare underwear, Immodium (if allowed by your doctor), and if possible, something to make a temporary wind or vision blind.

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Environmental Obstacles:

• Too Remote!
  Acquire suitable transportation and rough it.
• Too Cold!
  Winterize your expedition.
• Too Hot!
  Bring water, electrolytes, shade for yourself and your equipment. Avoid heat stroke.
• Too High!
  Allow time to acclimate to altitude. Don't take on too much.
• Too Windy!
  Use low profile equipment.
• Too Cloudy!
  Be ready to travel. Look for the lunar shadow if the sun is obscured. The umbra may give you a good light show!
• Too Much Snow!
  Find a spot ahead of time. Bring or acquire snow removal stuff.
• Too Much Fauna!
  Exercise caution. Bring a tall tripod, knife, snake stick, wood or other hard tripod leg pads, deet or other insect repellent, etc.
• Too Sandy!
  Bring towels, a table or a tripod apron, large wood or other hard tripod leg pads, plastic bags.
• Too Muddy!
  Bring tarps to use over and under equipment. Use wood or other hard tripod leg pads.
• Too Wet!
  Bring tarps for yourself and your equipment. Use wood or other hard tripod leg pads. Bring "canned air" to dry out your video camcorder and "fool" its moisture sensor.
• Too Much Motion!
  This item relates to eclipse observation and photography from a ship. Try to evaluate if you are subject to motion sickness before you book a cruise. For photography, use a "fast" f/ratio lens so you can use a relatively high shutter speed, even if this means you will have a smaller image. Take each picture each time the ship reaches the limits of its roll.
• Too Little Contrast!
  This item relates to shadow bands. Before your expedition, practice photographing the shadows of air currents that can often be seen on the ground when you first open your car door on a hot day.

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Cultural Obstacles:

• Too Many Delays!
  Arrive early.
• Too Few Services!
  Allow time to shop in separate stores (malls may be nonexistent), and time for foot travel if cars or busses are scarce, etc.
• Too Few Toilets!
  Bring adequate supplies (Lots of paper, plastic bags, even a bucket and some boards to sit on, if possible)
• Too Many People!
  Don't show off your equipment or tell others of your plans, especially before the eclipse! Use a remote site if it is safe and feasible to do so.
• Too Many Demands!
  Maintain a low profile so "demanding" people who may want to use you as a "commodity" won't find out about you. Be cautious of accepting favors. Some may do favors for the sole purpose of placing you in their debt.
• Too Much Politics!
  You may not want to offer services (such as public eclipse lectures, etc.) to locals until after the eclipse.
• Too Much Prejudice!
  Be cautious of the possibility of rich locals interfering with your activities if you spend time with the poor. Maintain a low profile.
• Too Much Oppression!
  Take care not to embolden the oppressed people to revolt.
• Too Much Crime!
  Exercise caution, avoid "undesirable" places, maintain a low profile, travel in a group if at all possible.
• Too Much Fighting!
  Avoid areas of current and recent fighting. Land mines and other booby traps may be a problem.

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Recommended Reading:

Steps to a Successful Eclipse Expedition, by Jeffrey R. Charles

Getting Your Film & Equipment Through Airports and to Your Eclipse Site

Cultural Reality at Your Eclipse Destination; When Caution May Be in Order

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Mail to: Jeffrey R. Charles (jcharles@versacorp.com)