Total success from Mena, Arkansas

Back home now after a successful trip to the US.
We originally planned to view the eclipse from Dallas, but alas the weather forecast was looking terrible, so we decided to drive to Mena, Arkansas.
I’ve uploaded a few images to BAA Member's Gallery.

Diamond Ring – C2
britastro.org/observations/observation.p...854_dc94b86e1a4664ae

HDR image of Totality
britastro.org/observations/observation.p...349_536deb83c8e4ed34

Diamond Ring – C3
britastro.org/observations/observation.p...442_1023636da17ffe3e

On the HDR image, you will see the double star to the LHS of the Sun.
They are Zeta Piscium A & B, magnitude +5.2 and +6.4 respectively.
Below it, you will see 88 Piscium, mag +6.19

To the unaided eye, Venus was visible several minutes before totality.
Jupiter was easy to see once totality started.
Saturn was spotted soon after, and finally Mars

A truly wonderful, awesome, surreal experience.
6th time in the Moon’s total shadow – 5th to have clear skies.
Looking forward to Spain 2026 already!

Very well done Michael. I was watching a feed from Plano, Texas where the clouds weren't as bad as in a lot of that state it seems. I have relatives in Ohio who had great views even if not exactly avid skywatchers I would suggest! Onwards to Spain

Finbarr.

Huge congratulations to you, Michael, for observing your 5th Total Solar Eclipse ever!
I'm so glad so many successfully observed this one from wherever they saw it.
Your 3 images are truly sublime.
As you say, roll on the next TSE in northern Portugal and Spain in August 2026.
I will be making sure that both Valerie and I will be up and ready for that one.

Very best regards from Aubrey.

And a big well done on catching the double star Zeta Piscium in one of your excellent images, Michael.
As you may well know, I am a double star observer.
And I can inform you I know this double very well.

Clear skies from Aubrey.

Very many thanks for sharing your wonderful images of the eclipse with us Michael.

Clear skies,

Darren.