If you are asking this question then the chances are very good that you’ve never seen a total solar eclipse. Otherwise you are probably reading this to find out what my answer is to this often asked question. When you tell someone about the solar eclipse experience they normally just smile that smile that indicates they don’t really get it. You can see it in the eyes. Eyes that have seen a total solar eclipse seem to hold something different when the topic comes up in conversation.

For the benefit of the eclipse novice all I can say is that an eclipse is an astronomical event that does not have any parallel. And it is too short to be fully observed by those of us that like to observe things in the sky.

I’ve been an amateur astronomer for several decades and still enjoy looking at the moon and planets through a telescope even though I’ve probably logged several hours of time looking at them. If you have a telescope set up on a planet or the moon I will take a look through it. And I can’t explain to you why I find that interesting except to say that I do. A total solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes each time you see it. Unlike looking through the telescope with magnification at something that normally is quite small to the eye an eclipse is an all sky phenomenon from horizon to horizon with details around the moon that beckon the eye to the telescope. But it is over all too quickly and the only thing you can do is ask when the next one will be and try to get back in the path of the shadow again.

My wife has a casual interest in astronomy. That is to say she will look through a telescope if I tell her it is something very special and worth coming out into the cold or bug filled night. But she still enjoys total solar eclipses, the social nature of the event, and the travel to get to there. On the topic of travel, a solar eclipse provides an opportunity to visit some place in the world you would never consider otherwise. That can be very special such as an African safari or a cruise across the ocean.

Eclipse chasing is travel with a purpose. Although most travel might be considered to have a special purpose eclipse chasing is one of those rare situations where the purpose is a climatic event. Even if you are not a sky watcher or astronomer, you cannot help but be caught up in the excitement.

My recommendation is that the eclipse novice needs to come along to an eclipse and experience it for themselves. I’ve seen all sorts of reactions from people and there is no way to know what yours would be until you join us under the shadow of the moon.

-Bill Kramer

Part 1
Eclipse Chasing Steps

Part 2
Eclipse Chasing Issues

Part 3
Why?