Radnor Lake & The Great American Eclipse: What Better Place to Be?
Great news for The Chestnut Group! Steve Ward, Radnor’s Park Manager, has reserved the Park’s new observation deck on the Lake Trail for Chestnut members for the August 21st “Great American Eclipse”. This rare cross-country total eclipse is being dubbed a life-changing event, and what better place to experience it than Radnor Lake?
There will be space for up to 20 Chestnut members on the observation deck, and another 10 between the deck and the Lake Trail.
Some things to think about before you sign up;
- The deck will be reserved for us from 10:00 am- 3:00 pm.
- The partial eclipse will begin at 11:58 a.m., and will end at 2:54 p.m. The period of “totality”, during which the moon will fully cover the sun, will begin at 1:27 p.m., and will last 1 minute and 15 seconds.
- Parking will be limited as always, and crowded for this event, so arriving early would be very wise.
- You may bring a water bottle, but as always, no food is allowed at Radnor Lake, a State Natural Area.
- BE CAREFUL! There are safety issues to consider as well. When looking directly at the eclipse, you will need to wear protective solar viewing glasses (ISO and CE certified), or you may experience permanent damage to your eyes. (See links below for safe viewing guidelines.)
- If you are taking photos, your camera will need the protection of a solar filter, and you will need to follow safety procedures such as not using your viewfinder when your camera is pointed toward the sun. (See links below for tips on safely photographing the eclipse.)
- And keep in mind that it may rain or be overcast during all or part of the eclipse, but it will still turn to “nighttime” during the total eclipse phase. Either way, it will be interesting to see and hear how the wildlife at Radnor react to this sudden sky-darkened phase.
What to bring and do?
Bring a sketch pad and your camera if you plan to take photos. You may bring your painting gear, but it may not be ideal to do so, and here are some reasons why. The distance walking from your parked car to the deck isn’t short by any standard, and it will be AUGUST, mid-day! Obviously, looking at your subject and judging values/color etc. will be difficult to say the least, because the total eclipse will only last for 75 seconds! You are still welcome to paint if you so choose. There will be interesting shadows with eclipse-shaped light peaking through the foliage during the Eclipse, and that would be great to capture with your camera, or sketch pad. Interested eclipse spectators, especially children, may be great subject matter as well.
Finally, if you do plan on signing up and have the opportunity to attend, please remember to thank the Rangers that you run into while you are there. These good folks, who are in charge of the lake and surrounding land and the safety of its visitors, continue to go that extra mile to ensure that our partnership with them is a great one, and we are grateful.
While there are numerous internet sites dedicated to the eclipse, here’s a link to a blog that addresses both viewing safety and eclipse photography:
Here are some additional sites you may want to check out:
https://dyer.vanderbilt.edu/solar-eclipse/
http://www.visitmusiccity.com/eclipse/eclipseFAQs
https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/best-places-to-view/
Downloadable map of Radnor Lake;
http://Radnor Lake.org/the-park/trail-map
To sign up and reserve your spot, please email Marci Hicks at: marjorieshicks@gmail.com
When emailing Marci, please let her know whether or not you intend to paint, or simply take photos, and/or sketch. We would like to have a few painters, but won’t be able to accommodate more than five on the observation deck. First come, first served!
Thank you!