A total eclipse probably shouldn’t happen. I say “probably” because the probability is too small. After all, we are the only known planet that has a moon just the right size and distance to provide a perfect total solar eclipse where the moon just barely covers the sun, allowing the viewer to see the corona and prominences. It also happens to be the only place where there is someone to see it.

The moon’s diameter is 400 times smaller than the sun, but it is also 400 times closer, making them roughly the same apparent size in our sky, depending on eccentricities of the orbits. This has allowed us to discover so much about the sun, moon, our own planet and the universe long before we had the technology of modern telescopes and spacecraft. If the size of the sun or moon, or the distance to the moon and sun were off even a bit, a perfect total eclipse would not be possible. Yet, perfect total solar eclipses happen because of this perfect combination. This alone should give us pause as we watch in wonder. But not only are they astounding and awe-inspiring for this fact alone, total eclipses are strange and beautiful and they are wonderful to experience!

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I was recently asked for samples of some of my images from across Canada for a unique project, so here is a compilation from my travels from the last few years.

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A few photos I managed to take in between conversations during the Opening Reception at Motion Gallery Eau Claire Market in Calgary. Most of the photos were taken late in the evening after most people had left. We had a really wonderful time. Thank you to the staff at Motion Gallery for the great night!

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A few long exposure images of the Inglis Falls waterfall as it tumbles over the Niagara Escarpment and a short hike in the surrounding conservation area.

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Thanks to El Nino, spring has come a bit early this year in central Alberta. (more…)

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