Since the total eclipse of 2017, I've wanted to capture an image of the amazing solar eclipse phenomenon that is as visually accurate as possible. From every mental picture and note I took during the eclipse, this is my best representation of what the 2024 TSE looked like to my eyes. The brightness of the inner corona and prominence at 6 o'clock was so intense that it was uncomfortable to observe for longer than a few seconds. Also, the streamer between 10-11 o'clock extended much further beyond the field of view here (which I'll show in my 300mm image later).
The solar corona has more than 14 stops of dynamic range from inner to outermost corona (a ratio of over 16000:1), so to capture and visualize this accurately on a computer screen is extremely challenging. I blended 5 exposures bracketed via 2ev gaps into a linear, HDR composite using my own software, then stretched the image with an amplified, logarithmic function to closely approximate the perceived brightness to our eyes. Then, I slightly adjusted local contrast with masking to emphasize the streamers without enhancing too many fine details that weren't visible to the naked eye.
I'm currently working on a series of high resolution HDR composites from 3 of my imaging systems. Those images will take a while to process, so stay tuned
Bracket Sequence:
1/4000 –> 1/1000 –> 1/250 –> 1/60 –> 1/15
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