Solar Eclipses 2024–2027

Book excerpt: Seeing a total solar eclipse (‘totality’ – when the sun is fully obscured by the moon) is a bucket-list event, generating a sense of wonder and even an ‘end-of-the-world’ sensation. New from Bradt, Solar Eclipses 2024–2027 is the only guide to cover the world’s next three total solar eclipses, arguably Nature’s most incredible spectacle. Written by an eclipse expert, this guide offers potential eclipse-tourists and eclipse-chasers alike everything they need to understand, prepare for and travel to each eclipse. Each eclipse will be remarkable in its own right. The 2024 totality will be visible in 15 US states, six Canadian provinces and parts of Mexico. The events offer US residents a second bite at the cherry, after many people regretted not travelling a short distance into the 2017 eclipse zone. The 2026 event is Europe’s first totality since 1999 and will be visible in Greenland, Iceland and Spain. The 2027 eclipse (visible from Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia) will be the longest until 2168. Chapters explain the climatology of each eclipse track, chart the sky during totality, and advise precisely where and when to see it – with detailed information on duration, altitude and timings for various locations. Such travel advice is critical, because the best eclipse-viewing locations tend to be in relatively remote places that either require careful planning or advance booking on specialist tours, which have limited capacity. A complementary chapter helps the beginner understand eclipse science, the types of solar eclipse and great historical eclipses. Another details other minor eclipses during 2024–2027 plus the annular eclipses due in 2023 and 2028, when the moon obscures all but the outer ring of the sun. Another chapter provides advice on how to prepare for and photograph solar eclipses. Throw in a schedule of eclipses through to 2050, and listings for tour operators specialising in eclipse tourism and the result is the most detailed eclipse guide around – perfect for everyone from beginners to experts via anyone who wants an excuse to travel somewhere different.