Many years ago, I decided that the ideal place to experience the 2024 total solar eclipse was Mexico, with climate records indicating the best chances of clear skies for that time of year. However, as a member of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Solar Eclipse Task Force, I was committed to viewing within the U.S.  I narrowed my search for viewing to Texas, which gave the next-best chance of clear weather.

As I guide others on community eclipse planning, when folk from the Texas Hill Country River Region in Uvalde County reached out, I became quite embedded with this region, which I believed was one of the premium locations for viewing this eclipse. This region was also in the eclipse crossroads for the 2023 annular eclipse and the 2024 total eclipse, and I went all out supporting this region during the annular eclipse last October with the Solar Eclipse Village weekend celebrations in Garner State Park.

For the 2024 total solar eclipse, despite receiving many invitations to join other areas across the path and having no contractual obligations to view the eclipse from this region, I still chose the Texas Hill Country River region in Uvalde County as my Plan A viewing option. Many of my chaser friends also located themselves nearby so we could share the experience.

THE CHASE BEGINS

Once the two-week forecasts started to indicate some weather challenges, which continued as eclipse day drew closer, many of my eclipse chaser friends and colleagues decided to relocate up to areas along the path that were never even earlier considered. As the days progressed, more and more chasers originally planning to view from Texas changed their plans. The high numbers predicted for the region were reducing rapidly.  I chose to remain, opting to make final decisions on short-range forecasts.

My plan A was to view the eclipse around or within Garner State Park. With increasing uncertainty and a disappointing real-life test of the forecasted weather on Saturday (two days before the eclipse), I went to bed that night, deciding to be mobile and actively chase on the day. I made plans with others to scout three possible locations the following day (Sunday), focusing on areas showing potential pockets of dry air and gaps in low cloud. The plan was then to decide on eclipse day based on satellite imaging and the latest forecasts on which direction to head.

BUT the forecasts changed again overnight, showing increased chances of pockets of clearing in my Plan A location. At the Eclipse Briefing at Garner State Park on Sunday, we again shared local weather forecasts, information from several weather apps, and insights from locals, and we also had the expertise of a NASA Atmospheric researcher who gave their views on what to expect.  It was after this briefing that I decided to stick with my Plan A decision.  I just didn’t feel there were any real benefits of chasing as it still left risk, and it didn’t seem to be worth giving up the many benefits of staying. A very small number wanted to chase, and we shared options on the best places to head to based on current data.

So, I prepared myself and the many people staying at Garner who had no intention of relocating to expect a cloudy eclipse, hoping for gaps in the clouds. We deliberately focused on what we would see AROUND US and how lucky we were to be in a natural environment with so much to observe for the eclipse. I felt at peace with my decision, and others were similarly philosophical about what to expect.

It turned out better than expected.

ECLIPSE DAY – Monday April 8, 2024

As predicted, and as we expected, there were low clouds all morning, with some breaks allowing views through the sun spotters and scopes that the NASA team had set up. Everyone cheered when the clouds parted, which was happening with increased frequency.

I then went up to an overlook just before first contact and was absolutely delighted when the clouds parted, giving us a perfect view and experience of the moon’s first bite. We noted the light changes and temperature dropping, and at around 1.10pm CT (our totality was at 1.30) there was a distinct change in wind direction which triggered chills. Intermittent views of the partial phases with clouds clearing allowed us to track the progression. Our small group of 12 felt lucky to be in our location.

A few minutes before totality, the low clouds moved on, and the high clouds again acted as a light filter, allowing naked-eye viewing of the final moments before second contact. We didn’t quite catch Baily’s beads or the diamond ring, but we had numerous glances of totality. Kelby Bridwell, the park superintendent, turned around at the right time and saw the shadow racing across the valley at totality. It really was quite ominous, very other-worldly, and dark with the clouds acting as another way to capture the darkness. The eclipsed sun looked large whenever the clouds parted. I could see the corona close to the eclipsed sun but not a broad view, and I couldn’t quite make out the prominences. I especially loved whenever the clouds parted the crowd cheers from below matched our own from above – it was very unifying across the park. The sunset colors on the horizon, interestingly, weren’t obvious. And another interesting observation – when the low clouds parted during totality, I noted patches of what I thought were blue sky, but it was lighter than I expected, so I’m not sure if that was an optical effect.

We didn’t observe the end of totality directly, but the clouds amplified the sudden return of light, creating an exciting experience.

I left a video running to capture our group experience a few minutes before and after totality, capturing the passing darkness. Birds were chirping away and stopped soon after totality—it was noticeably quiet, which we noted at the time. Later, running our video through the Merlin app, we heard Hutton’s Vireo chipping away, the Bewick’s Wren, and amazingly, the endangered and rare golden-cheeked warbler.

Only a small group of us were up at the overlook, and everyone else went down soon after totality ended, but I stayed up top in complete isolation, enjoying the remainder of the eclipse, with occasional glimpses of the partial phases, in the company of the birds that had returned while doing quite a few media interviews.

REFLECTIONS ON A CLOUDY SUCCESS

Overall, it was a great experience that highlighted how a cloudy eclipse can be worthwhile, awe-inspiring, and amazing, especially for those who have never before experienced totality. Eclipse-chasers though, know what is missed, and know that there is so much more to the experience.

When I share that totality happens above you, around you, and within you, I believe that without the ‘above you’, you do not have the full totality impact experience ‘within you’. But the ‘around you’ seems amplified, which can still be quite impactful. The challenge for eclipse chasers is not to focus on the things you CANNOT see but the things you CAN experience.

Overall, an important life lesson is that much is outside of our control. And while we DO have control over our own actions and decisions, we cannot control the outcome. Many did the bolt to find those pockets between the low clouds—most were successful, some were not. Similarly, for those who opted to stay in their chosen location to take their chances, some of us were lucky, others not so.

I’m so glad I stayed and experienced what I did with my Garner friends.

The post Reflections on my 14th Total Solar Eclipse Chase appeared first on Being in the Shadow.

Like all eclipse chasers, I had planned big things for the total eclipse of December 14, 2020. This was to be the eclipse with clear skies, broad landscapes, and cultural delights viewed from Chile or Argentina, and I had set my sights, yet again, on Argentina.

Not chasing this eclipse was difficult for me personally, as it meant that I had to miss my 13^th total eclipse. However, this is not really about me at all – there is a much bigger picture here. The tour I was leading was not able to proceed, and as a result 65 people had their plans canceled; and very sadly the tour company I worked with was forced to cease trading due to the situation in Argentina. These circumstances were all outside of my control, and were consequences of this pandemic. This was the impact only in my immediate circle related to eclipse travel – every one of you will have your own story of how this pandemic has affected your life and the loss you have faced.

Now with less than a week to go for the next total eclipse, I feel at peace knowing that I am not chasing this eclipse. Not traveling is a sacrifice I am willing to make for the greater good, and most eclipse chasers have grounded themselves for 2020. However, a few hardy international chasers remain committed to the cause – desperately seeking updates and guidance on how to get into the path of totality in South America despite the many remaining obstacles of quarantine, closed borders, test requirements, and traveler restrictions.

If I can slip into my alternate role as a psychologist here… what we are currently experiencing more than any time in my life is a complete lack of control. If we try to gain control over things we have no control over, we are just left with anxiety. So we have a choice – those who can be flexible in our thinking know that when we have no control, it is better to roll with it, and focus on the things we DO have control over.

Some, however, will find it difficult to see they have a choice, and will do all they can to stay in control. In this situation, without any control, all they can do is arm themselves with information and continue to plan. Unfortunately, the pandemic response varies considerably worldwide, and even within each country, state, and region information changes almost by the hour. Keeping up-to-date for chasing this eclipse in South America is exhausting – what is promised on one day can be easily overridden on a different day by some other authority. And when we become so focused on the end goal, we lose sight of the fact that when we travel in such an environment we expose not only ourselves, but others – our eclipse chaser friends, other travelers, locals we meet, officials on the ground, our hosts, and then our loved ones when we return – to greater risks. And ultimately – we still have no control.

If you are still outside of South America, then it is ok to give yourself permission to not travel and chase this eclipse. This is not a sign of failure or defeat, but a sign of strength as you are making a choice. With this comes a sense of peace and acceptance.

If you are already within South America – then do enjoy the eclipse safely, knowing that chasers around the world will be with you, watching from afar and sharing the sense of wonder and awe with you. Those already living within the path of totality are considered the lucky ones, where all they have to do on eclipse day is go outside and look up. I will be watching online, and plan to be part of a Slooh live broadcast from Chile, talking about how this year’s world events have affected us eclipse chasers.

Post-pandemic eclipse chasing will be with a renewed sense of gratitude for having the freedom and flexibility to travel in the future. Until then, 2020 will be remembered by the eclipse chasing community as the one we had to learn to let go.

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Today just happens to be a significant eclipse countdown day. In exactly two years time, on August 21 2017, the path of totality will start in the North Pacific Ocean, make landfall on the Oregon coast, cross the whole of the US to South Carolina and then continue on into the North Atlantic. This is a significant eclipse as it will be easily accessible for tens of millions of people, and is the first to cross the mainland US since 1979.

At this very moment I am in Portland, Oregon not far from where this path of totality makes landfall. I am taking part in an eclipse outreach planning meeting, along with other astronomers, researchers, science educators and involved eclipse chasers. The meeting is held to coincide with this eclipse countdown day, and I will be doing a talk open to the general public along with some key eclipse gurus. Today, Americans across the path of totality will be encouraged to look towards the sky at eclipse time. Key things are to see the exact location of the Sun at first contact and totality time; to observe the weather, and to start considering plans for viewing in 2017. How lucky they are to have this occur in their home territory – something I know well from the eclipse of 2012 that went across North Queensland in Australia, where I am from.

Of course, in two years time on August 21 I know exactly where I will be – viewing this amazing event from within the stunning Grand Teton National Park with my fellow Independent Travellers. Rosemary and Natalie have cleverly secured arrangements in one of the most in-demand locations in the US for the eclipse. Our base is in Jackson Hole near to the centerline. This location really is amazing – both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks can be easily explored, and both have been on my travel wish list for many years. I’m excited about this trip and I cannot wait, although I know from my countdown that there are two full years to go.

But that’s not all. There is another eclipse countdown also occurring this weekend. There are now only 200 days to go for the next total solar eclipse on March 9 2016. The path of totality for this next eclipse crosses Indonesia. I will be in Palu and will be quite involved with the Sulawesi Eclipse Festival. Happily, I will be able to use the opportunity to do more of my psychological research, delving further into the eclipse experience from the perspective of younger travellers.

As well as keeping an eye on future eclipse countdowns, us eclipse chasers often reminisce about past eclipses. Every total eclipse remains special, and marks these awe-inspiring and life-enhancing moments we have in memorable locations across the world. This month marks an especially significant eclipse moment for me – my very first total solar eclipse on August 11 1999, which I saw in Fecamp, France. Those of you who have read my account of this in my first book Total Addiction will know how special it was, and how it marked my transition from an ‘eclipse virgin’ to ‘eclipse chaser’. It really did transform my life, and I had no idea that it would do so. August also marks the 2008 total eclipse that I saw from outer Mongolia – what an incredible and unique experience that was.

Being an eclipse chaser is so rewarding – we look forward to and remember these moments, savoring the awe and beauty of each and every eclipse. I know from my research and personal experience that this makes us appreciate life and the experiences we have, for which we are humbly grateful. How wonderful it is to be an eclipse chaser.

The post Eclipse chasers and Countdowns appeared first on Being in the Shadow.

The timing of my website going live is a little disappointing – I have been working all weekend in a rather cold Belfast when on the other side of the world an annular eclipse is about to begin. The path of this annular eclipse starts in China, goes through northern Taiwan, the south of Japan, and then continues across the Pacific and over to North America. It will be the first eclipse that can be seen from North America for many years, and as a result there is quite a lot of excitement. And I am here, in cold Belfast, setting up my website on eclipse chasing. So wrong! If it was a total eclipse, then nothing would have stopped me from jumping on a plane to be there. Annular eclipses are fascinating and awesome in their own right, but do not involve some of the most dramatic features as seen in a total eclipse. So I shall just have to make do with watching webcasts. :(

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