A Cloudy Glimpse: Total Solar Eclipse with Venus in NE Texas
On April 8, 2024, a remarkable celestial event graced the skies of Northeast Texas: a total solar eclipse. While clouds often pose a challenge for astrophotographers, this particular capture managed to showcase the awe-inspiring totality, with the bright planet Venus making a visible appearance.
This image was captured using a Pixel 7 Pro, handheld, with its 6.8mm lens at an f/1.7 aperture. The exposure settings were 1/24s at an ISO of 2855. Post-processing involved adjustments to sliders and cropping using the phone's built-in photo application.
Even with the presence of clouds, the sheer spectacle of the Moon obscuring the Sun is evident, creating a dramatic and memorable scene. The addition of Venus, shining brightly in the darkened sky, adds an extra layer of cosmic wonder to this already extraordinary event.
This photograph serves as a testament to the dedication of astrophotographers and the beauty that can be found in celestial events, even when faced with less-than-ideal viewing conditions.
