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Public gets up-close look at solar eclipse thanks to Corpus Christi Astronomical Society, 'astrophotography'

The CCAS has helped Corpus Christi locals improve their understanding of the eclipse and their ability to view its natural wonders.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — All eyes were on the sky as Corpus Christi experienced the annular solar eclipse. From parks, to the Seawall, people brought their phones, cameras, and some professionals like Mike Malloy, even brought their telescopes to catch the solar event. 

Malloy is part of the Corpus Christi Astronomical Society. His love for both astronomy and photography brought him to pursue astrophotography, something he's been doing since 1960. This year's annular solar eclipse isn't his first. 

"For me it's kind of routine, this is my sixth eclipse. My job is to get, National Geographic level photographs. That's my main objective. I'm always glad to share that concept with other people," Malloy said.  

One Saturday, Malloy was at the Malaquite Beach Visitor center to share his knowledge of telescopes with the public. Kelly Taylor, Park Ranger with the Padre Island National Seashore says that sharing his knowledge with those that gathered at Malaquite made their solar eclipse viewing event that much more special. 

"It's tremendous. We're very thankful that we have a group like the Corpus Christi Astronomical Society to reach out, to help us with these sorts of events. They are the ones that have the specialized equipment. They know how to use it. They know how to talk to people about the sky which is awesome," Taylor said.

One local who came to join the crowd at Malaquite was Dillion Encinia. Encina is a hobbyist photographer that typically only shoots wildlife. Today he showed up early to Malaquite visitor center to shoot his shot at getting his first series of solar photos. 

"I say I've been preparing for it for the last couple of months. I'm hoping to capture most of the phases throughout the solar eclipse. You know, crescent, smaller pieces. I want to get that full eclipse, that ring of fire going on. Hopefully it'll turn out really good," Encina said.  

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