Exploring The Total Elipse Of The Sun; Eyes On Hawaiian Skies

These two programs take differing approaches to covering the recent total solar eclipse. Exploring the Total Eclipse of the Sun is the weaker of the two, and seems to be set up for use by schools. Dr. Joseph Italiano, an astronomy professor, uses an easel with a static picture of an eclipse and a pointer to demonstrate how an eclipse actually works (a concept more readily understood through animation). Another professor offers his perspective on "historical reactions to eclipses," relating one example of warring Indian tribes who saw an eclipse as a sign to cease fighting. The remainder of the program covers the actual eclipse, filmed in Baja, Mexico on July 11, and mixes a folk rock guitar soundtrack with the coverage of the eclipse. Although the footage of the eclipse is beautiful, the sequence is filled with minor focusing and framing problems (which could have been easily corrected during editing). All in all, the program is neither a comprehensive approach to the subject of eclipses, nor a particularly well done filming of this most recent eclipse. Far better is Eyes on Hawaiian Skies, from Tropical Visions (the creators of the VolcanoScape series), which offers a much more comprehensive look at eclipses while boasting the superior production values characteristic of Tropical Visions productions. Viewers are taken on a tour of the observatories atop Mount Mauna Kea, some 14,000 feet up, where astronomers vie for time on the big scopes. Visual conditions are so good in this area, that many amateur astronomers, such as Howard Yamasaki who tracks comets, have made significant discoveries. Numerous interviews with astronomers and historians reveal the different kinds of eclipses and how mankind has reacted to this celestial phenomena throughout the ages. The second half of the program covers the eclipsemania which sweeps Big Island in the days before the eclipse, and then offers exemplary footage of the eclipse itself. Exploring the Total Eclipse of the Sun is not a necessary purchase. Eyes on Hawaiian Skies is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (Exploring the Total Eclipse of the Sun is available from: JAJ Productions, 1115 E. Colvin St., Syracuse, NY 13210; 1-800-745-7032.) (Eyes on Hawaiian Skies is available from: Tropical Visions, 62 Halaulani Place, Hilo, HI 96720.)