Table of Contents

What is required to become part of the Megamovie Photo Team?

1. Get Ready to Apply: you'll need to either be on the path of totality during the eclipse and have the right equipment (see below), or be willing to help with python coding and/or machine learning using the images. The survey is not yet up, but we will post it here and on the homepage of the Eclipse Megamovie 2024 website when it is ready.
2. If your application is accepted, you’ll become part of the Megamovie Photo and Machine Learning Teams Google Group, a vibrant community where you can ask questions and get help with technology, taking images of the moon or eclipse, and/or python coding. You will also receive regular updates from the Eclipse Megamovie Project coordinators.
3. Training: You’ll have the option to participate in webinars and/or read the written instructions prior to testing. Information on webinars and training materials can be found on the Media team, but will be updated with new information for the 2024 total solar eclipse.
4. If you have signed up to help analyze solar eclipse images for transient plasma flows in the solar corona, we will provide you with the Kagal competition information so you can access the python code and competition requirements.
5. If you have signed up to take photographs of the solar corona on April 8th, 2024, then
   1. Practice shot: You’ll need to upload a test picture so that we’re sure and you’re sure you’ve got the steps down. We’ll show you how to do that.
   2. On eclipse day, you will get your equipment ready to capture the eclipse!
   3. Upload your photos to the Megamovie website as soon as possible to share with the world the wonders of the eclipse. Your photo will also be used to characterize transient plasma flows in the solar corona.

What is the suggested equipment needed to take scientifically valid photos of the eclipse?

Basic equipment necessary for participating in the Eclipse 2017 Megamovie:

• Camera: DSLR (digital single lens reflex) or equivalent
• Telephoto or zoom lens: minimum focal length of 300mm
• A stable and level tripod with an equatorial motor, provided to you or instructions for how to buy or build one.
• Ability to identify the GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) and time to the nearest second with the correct timezone for submitted images

What kind of a camera do I need to have in order to participate?

• To participate in the Eclipse Megamovie Project you will need an interchangeable lens digital camera, such as a DSLR (digital single lens reflex), or mirrorless camera. Examples of these include: Canon T5i or 7D, Nikon D7200 or D810, etc.
• A mirrorless camera, such as the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5, are acceptable for taking images for the Eclipse Megamovie.
• We are applying for funding to supply an equatorial mount and/or cameras to communities with educators who apply to our program. Watch for the opportunity to apply for this program.

What kind of lens do I need to have on my camera?

To participate in the Eclipse Megamovie Project you will need a telephoto or zoom lens with the following:

• For a camera with a APS-C crop-sensor, a minimum focal length of 200mm, up to a maximum of around 600.
• For a camera with a full frame sensor, a minimum focal length of 300mm, up to a maximum of 800mm.
• Either a fixed focal length telephoto lens, or a zoom lens with the acceptable focal length in its range is acceptable.

What is the required number of megapixels for Megamovie images?

• A well done image at 8 megapixels is potentially better than a poor image taken at 100 megapixels! In general, photos should have a minimum resolution of 16 megapixels or greater.

How large of a field of view will I have to include in the images I submit?

• Your telephoto/zoom lens should provide a field of view (FOV) which includes the Sun’s corona. A 300mm focal length will provide a field of view of approximately 4 ½ degrees of sky. You can calculate the FOV for your particular DSLR and lenses using the tools on this website.
• Images for the Megamovie should have a field of view of between 1.5 and 4.5 degrees in the shortest dimension.

Is a rectangular format required for the images I submit for the Megamovie?

• No, as long as the field of view of your Images are between 1.5 and 4.5 degrees in the shortest dimension.
• The aspect ratio of your image does not matter, it is all about the field of view.

Should I do any post-processing of the images I submit?

• Minor cropping is acceptable.
• Please do not make any adjustments to image contrast, color correction, brightness, sharpening, or use HDR.

Can I use a telescope as the lens for my camera?

The use of a telescope for imaging the eclipse is also acceptable, though it will require additional considerations and equipment, such as:

• A T-mount and T-ring for mounting the camera to the telescope
• If using eyepiece projection, make sure the FOV is sufficient to include the Sun’s corona
• Prior to the eclipse you will have to identify the resulting orientation of the image if shooting through a telescope (inverted vs. right side up; left-right inversion; etc.).

In general, the use of a telescope for imaging is fine as long as you follow the same focal length and field of view rules as for lenses. There may also be some additional processing required to align the images to others taken with level tripods

Do I have to use a tripod?

Yes, a stable and level tripod is essential to ensure the quality of images needed for the Eclipse Megamovie Project.

How can I level my tripod?

There are various methods for leveling one’s tripod:

• A built-in bulls-eye type spirit/bubble level, or an external one you can place on the tripod. Also available through smartphone “bubble level” apps.
• Some DSLRs have a built-in artificial horizon which can help with leveling the camera.

Can I mount my camera on my telescope?

• Mounting the camera piggyback on a telescope is acceptable, just be sure to note this under the 'Advanced options' at upload.
• If using a fork mounted Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT) without a wedge, you will have to make sure the telescope mount is level as you would a standard camera tripod.

How can I add an accurate time stamp to the images I take of the eclipse?

Mounting the camera piggyback on a telescope is also acceptable, though it will require additional considerations:

• Most modern cameras have the ability to time stamp eclipse images in camera. If your camera does not do this, you can purchase an add-on GPS device to tag images with an accurate timestamp.
• If you use the internal time in camera, you will need to synchronize the camera time with your cell phone or GPS unit time to the nearest second before taking photos with the DSLR. Also make sure your time zone is in sync between your phone and camera.

How can I identify the GPS coordinates for the images I submit?

Some modern cameras have a built-in system to tag images with the GPS coordinates for the location where you take the images are taken. If your camera does not have this, then you have a couple of options:

• Use an add-on GPS device to tag images with their coordinates.
• An external GPS unit which reads out your coordinates to enter via metadata editing software.
• Include a GPS tagged photo from a different device (e.g. your smartphone) when uploading your photos. This tag will be applied to all photos in that upload session. Note: for best results, please make sure your smartphone and external camera have the same time setting.

Why is it important to use a remote control for triggering the shutter?

The use of an external shutter release allows you to take images without touching the camera, thus reducing camera shake and vibration induced blurring. There are several options to accomplish this:

• Use a remote hand-held trigger, either wired or wireless.
• Set up the camera in time-lapse mode to take a series of images automatically.
• Use the self-timer mode to take an image without touching the camera.
• Tether the camera to a laptop or notebook computer with software to control the camera via the computer.

How can I protect my camera from the Sun before the onset of totality?

Pointing your camera at the sun without protection may damage the camera (more thorough explanation here). You can protect your camera in several ways, including:

• Leave lens cap on until immediately before imaging at the onset of totality.
• Use a solar filter on your camera and remove it at the beginning of totality.

In addition to the above two options, it is suggested to cover your camera in a white cloth to keep it cool during the heat of the August day.

Is locking the mirror in the up position helpful?

The ability to lock the camera mirror in the up position is useful to reduce camera shake when taking images.

Should I disable the image stabilization feature of my lens?

Some experts recommend disabling the image stabilization feature, as it can induce some slight vibrations to the camera system, and thus blurring, to an image.

How soon should I submit my images after totality is over?

Hopefully you will have access to the internet so you can upload your images soon after the end of totality, preferably within an hour of the end of the eclipse, but also for a week (maybe more) after.

What type of file do you want for photos?

For the Eclipse Megamovie 2024 project, we require at least 50 bracketed images (with 90 being our preferred number of images) between the exposure time of 0.001 second to 4 seconds, preferably in a logarithmic time array with more images at the longer exposure time and fewer at the shorter exposure time. RAW, JPEG and TIFF files are accepted. ZIP files are not accepted, but you can upload multiple images at once.

RAW files accepted in the following formats: .3fr, .ari, .arw, .bay, .crw, .cr2, .cap, .data, .dcs, .dcr, .dng, .drf, .eip, .erf, .fff, .gpr, .k25, .kdc, .mdc, .mef, .mos, .mrw, .nef, .nrw, .obm, .orf, .pef, .ptx, .pxn, .r3d, .raf, .raw, .rwl, .rw2, .rwz, .sr2, .srf, .srw, .x3f

What happens to the images I submit?

Your photos will be included in a publicly available dataset that scientists around the world will use to study the sun and its atmosphere.

If you’re a member of the Photo Team (volunteers who signed up ahead of time) your photos will also be included in the “Megamovie”. This will be an early preview of the dataset, where we algorithmically stitch together photos from across the US into a continuous view of the corona as the eclipse passes overhead.

What information will be public in this dataset?

The dataset will include information in two formats: EXIF data in each photo and a database. The information in the dataset will include:

• Photographer name - From account used to submit photos (optional, see below) - EXIF
• Unique user ID - Database only
• GPS location (if included in photo) - EXIF and database
• Timestamp - EXIF and database
• Camera specifics (make, model, etc) - EXIF only (database has normalized camera class)
• Photo specifics (exposure, ISO, etc.) - EXIF only

Is there a way to submit photos without my name attached?

Yes. The details will be posted here when they are available.

Should I upload all photos at once after the eclipse?

You are welcome to upload all photos just after the eclipse. However, if upload times are slow for you due to local internet use, feel free to upload 1-5 images for use in the first Megamovie compilation. Pick images that show any part of the corona (at 0-4 solar diameters) looking its best. JPEG files are much smaller than RAW files, so converting them will speed up upload time. Then once you get back to a comfortable setting with good internet, please upload the rest of your images of totality for use in the science part of this project.

How do photo licenses work for the project?

• All photos submitted to the project will be released under a CC0 (Public Domain) license. This means that it will be part of the public domain and easy for the science community to use for scientific research and future projects.
• You will have an option to add your name, and we’ll include it in the Megamovie project credits, or you can submit your photo without your name attached. Your acknowledgement and acceptance of such use will be handled through the upload process on the website.