Imperial, Missouri: From scouting the optimal location to securing the right equipment, many details go into eclipse chasing. Here’s how to make sure you find yourself in the right place at the right time.
According to BBC, on 8 April 2024, a solar eclipse will occur, and many enthusiasts find themselves in the path of 99% totality in various locations, including Imperial, Missouri. The event is described as a transformative experience, with the sky darkening, birds falling silent, and a chill settling in the air. Eclipse hunting has become a popular pursuit, with limited opportunities between 2026 and 2030 to experience the path of totality in places like Iceland, Spain, Egypt, and North Africa.
Humans have been fascinated by eclipses for centuries, and the 1970 eclipse across the US East Coast and subsequent eclipse-chasing cruises helped turn these celestial events into global travel phenomena. Today, eclipse tourism has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with organizations like NASA reporting over 300,000 attendees at official events during the 2024 North American eclipse. Eclipse tours sell out rapidly, emphasizing the importance of early booking.
Kevin Currie, director of New Scientist Discovery Tours, advises booking early to secure a spot on the best tours or accommodations near the line of totality. Astronomer Martin Griffiths notes the pandemic increased interest in astronomy, with people turning to the night sky during lockdowns. Solar eclipses create a unique environment, as described by Leah Crane, features editor at New Scientist, who recalls “streamers of light” on the Sun’s corona and the Moon’s shadow rushing towards her.
Stephanie Derammelaere, executive director of Robert Ferguson Observatory, describes eclipse travel as a blend of science, wonder, and adventure, capable of changing one’s perspective on the Universe. Solar eclipses occur four to seven times annually, but witnessing one at the same location twice in a lifetime is unlikely, making each event special. Griffiths urges those who haven’t seen one to do so, promising a lasting memory.
In 2026, a total solar eclipse will occur on 12 August, passing across the Arctic Ocean, eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain. Notable viewing locations include the Balearic Sea, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and mountainous areas in north-central Spain. Iceland’s Breiðafjörður Bay will experience maximum totality, and Greenland’s eastern coast offers a unique cruise experience for optimal viewing.
In 2027, a solar eclipse on 2 August will pass over southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East, with Luxor, Egypt, experiencing the longest land-based eclipse of the century. Egypt, Morocco, and southern Spain will be prime viewing locations, with various tours and cruises offering unique experiences. Thrill-seekers can join expeditions to Algeria, Libya, and Puntland, where the path of totality will provide several minutes of awe-inspiring views.