Problem: the 90% cloud cover (and the expansive Oak tree-leafed canopy covering my whole property) sometimes made the auto-darkened helmet switch off, allowing full sun. I played around with it, and found a way to have my eyes focused just below the eyeplate, so I'd be able to see when the helmet was fully darkened. And, for the height of the event, the cloud cover got a bit thinner, and I was able to observe without going blind.
The super dark shade #14 glasses are the ones recommended by most authorities, though they are too dark for much else. My helmet would darken to shade #13, which will protect eyes from the sun, but not as well for long periods. Any shade lower isn't recommended, per what I've read. But, I'll not advise using an auto-darkening helmet if there are clouds making the helmet have inconsistent protection! Maybe, before the next one over the continental US, excluding Alaska, in 2045 (I think), I'll get a better full-time darkened helmet, first. But, as I'll be 95 then. knock on wood, it's not of great concern to me.
Here's the photos I took (in between tripping over things in the darkened yard):
- really gets dark: solar-powered yard lights & headlights of neighbors car acroos the street, plus my best view
- start of totality & just after.jpg (153.77 KiB) Viewed 122 times
- weird crescent-shaped shadows, and 3 of 4 chickens frozen for minutes (#4 went to roost in the henhouse)
- crescent shadows & frozen chickens.jpg (292.1 KiB) Viewed 122 times
