Just heard about the black drop. When getting the initial Astronomical Unit value Halley needed less than one percent error, the black drop cost him that accuracy so it too over 100 years to get the measurement needed for an accurate AU.
We have several telescopes set up in front of the visitor center and have
had maybe 150 to 200 people milling around watching the transit. No clouds and I didn't set up my scope for pics as I had intended because of the wind. Saw 1st and 2nd contacts in white light. The black drop effect was very cool and obvious even to a couple of people to whom I described it who knew nothing about the transit. I remember not being able to see the black drop in 2003 with Mercury. Maybe we just didn't have enough magnification on it.
Going back outside now.
Kim
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