The Solar Eclipse of August 11, 1999 (Abstract)

Volume 28 number 2 (2000)

Jose Manuel Oporto Ibanez

Abstract

(Abstract only) The author describes the total solar eclipse of August 11, 1999, as viewed by him from Spain, and illustrates his talk with photographs taken by him. The author also discusses sharing the excitement and beauty of astronomy with the public—particularly children and the elderly—through talks and slide shows. [Ed. note: It was a delight to meet Jose, a very active solar observer, when he attended the AAVSO Annual Meeting in October 1999 (his first trip outside his native Spain and his first airplane trip), giving his talk and proudly accepting his AAVSO Solar Observer Award for his sunspot observations. He captivated all who met him, and it was with shock and great sadness that we learned of his untimely death from cardiac arrest at the age of 43 in December 1999 in Spain. Jose was focussed on bringing astronomy to the public in Spain. He had a great love for the science, and wanted to share its emotional impact as widely as possible. Visiting and speaking at elementary schools and nursing homes with his astronomical photos and equipment, he acted on his earnest belief that one is never too young or too old to learn. Jose uplifted and inspired people, and although his life was too brief, his legacy will be long lasting.]