Map and Local Circumstances Calculator >
Regional maps of the eclipse path >

The majority of this total solar eclipse takes place over the South Pacific Ocean. Viewing the eclipse will be a challenge. The path of totality passes over the Cook Islands (Mangaia), just south of Tahiti over a series of atolls, out to the open ocean, directly over Easter Island, and ending in South West Argentina at sunset.

Several tour groups are competing for the limited space affored at Easter Island. Needless to say the tours are expected to fill quickly and be rather pricey for this very unique opportunity.

The atolls of Polynesia offer a unique tropical setting for an eclipse. Several eclipse groups are competing for the limited space at these locations with some flying in the night before for a camping adventure.

Here is an interesting article about Polynesia tourism related to the eclipse of 2010. A little over a year to go and most tour operators are already sold out or out of options. (If you want to see this eclipse and are not presently signed on to a tour group or have arrangements to get to the eclipse path - then you might want to consider signing on to the wait lists for the different groups.)

Presently no super-sized cruise ships have stated that they will be in the area for the eclipse. There are some smaller vessel options though - see the tour groups at right for more details.

Stars and Planets: The eclipsed sun and moon pair will be in the constellation Gemini. The nearest bright planet will be Mercury at a Magnitude of -0.8 about 15 degrees away towards the East. Even further East (about 40 degrees from the Sun) is bright Venus shining at an estimated Magnitude of -4. Venus will be near Regulus (just under 2 degrees away, brightest star in Leo, Magnitude 1.3). Sixty degrees from the Sun towards the East will be Mars at Magnitude 1 and just more ten degrees east is Saturn also at Magnitude 1. If these planets are visible be sure to note Orion to the NW of Gemini and the bright "Winter" stars.

Climate: July is the winter time in the southern hemisphere. With so much of this solar eclipse taking place over water the two best solutions will be from the air or on a cruise ship. For ground based observations he best chances arethe atolls of Polynesia. Overall, the best probabilities are in a ship south of Tahiti. Unfortunately, the start and end of the eclipse path, as well as Easter Island, present lower chances of success than many might find comfortable. Of course, climate is what you expect and weather is what you get!

To see what the weather has been like over the past few years in the region visit Joe Cali's 2010 Waiting for the Shadow page.

For more detailed information about the weather, visit Jay Anderson's web site regarding the 2010 eclipse.

When's the next Total Solar Eclipse?