The Ultimate Guide to Chasing Total Solar Eclipses

Chasing a total solar eclipse is unlike any other travel experience. It’s a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena — a moment when the sun, moon, and Earth align perfectly, plunging the sky into darkness. In this guide, I share my own unforgettable journey of seeing a total eclipse for the first time, along with pro tips, upcoming events, and the best places to catch the next celestial spectacle. Whether you’re a seasoned eclipse chaser or planning your first adventure, this article will help you prepare for an awe-inspiring experience you’ll never forget.

Introduction: The Thrill of Chasing a Total Solar Eclipse

There’s something magical about the moment when day turns into night in the middle of the afternoon. It’s a fleeting event that draws people from all walks of life — from casual sky-watchers to seasoned eclipse chasers who travel thousands of miles for just a few minutes of cosmic wonder. On April 8, 2024, I joined the ranks of these enthusiasts, setting out from my hometown of St. George, New Brunswick, on a journey to witness a total solar eclipse for the very first time.

For those lucky enough to be in the path of totality, a solar eclipse is more than just an astronomical event; it’s a profound and surreal experience that leaves you in awe of the universe. My excitement was palpable as I prepared to chase the shadow of the moon across North America. Little did I know that this would become one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

The Science Behind Solar Eclipses: A Dance of Shadows

A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that temporarily blocks out the sun’s light. While the idea seems simple, the alignment required for this event is what makes it so special. The orbits of the Earth and moon are slightly tilted relative to each other, so solar eclipses don’t occur every month. Instead, they happen only when the sun, moon, and Earth line up perfectly during a new moon. This precise alignment is what makes solar eclipses rare and eagerly anticipated.

Types of Solar Eclipses

While total solar eclipses are the most dramatic, there are actually several types of solar eclipses, each offering a unique spectacle in the sky. Here’s a look at the different kinds of solar eclipses you might encounter and what makes each one special.

Partial Eclipse: The moon covers only a part of the sun, leaving a crescent-shaped sun visible. I had experienced two partial eclipses before, and while they were intriguing, they couldn’t compare to the dramatic experience of totality.
Annular Eclipse: The moon is farther from Earth in its orbit, so it doesn’t completely cover the sun. Instead, it creates a striking “ring of fire” effect, where a thin ring of sunlight surrounds the darkened moon.
Total Eclipse: The moon fully obscures the sun, revealing the sun’s corona — its outer atmosphere, visible only during totality. This is the rarest and most spectacular type of eclipse, offering a view unlike anything else in nature.

What sets total solar eclipses apart is their rarity and the unique experience they offer. Although solar eclipses occur multiple times each year, the path of totality — the narrow strip where the sun is completely covered — is usually only about 100 miles wide and shifts location with every eclipse. This means that even if an eclipse is visible from your area, you may need to travel to be within the path of totality for the full, breathtaking spectacle.

Side-by-side comparison of three types of solar eclipses: partial eclipse on the left showing a crescent-shaped Sun, annular eclipse in the center displaying a 'ring of fire,' and total eclipse on the right featuring the Sun completely obscured by the Moon with a glowing corona. — Comparison of the three types of solar eclipses, shown from left to right: partial, annular, and total eclipses. Photo credit (left to right): Hinode/XRT, NASA/Aubrey Gemignani, NASA/Noah Moran.

In April 2024, the path of totality was set to cross North America, stretching from Mexico to Canada’s Atlantic provinces. In my hometown of St. George, New Brunswick, I would have seen a near-total eclipse with about 99% coverage — close, but not quite enough. I wanted the full experience of totality, where the sky darkens completely. That’s why I made the nearly two-hour drive to Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, which lay directly in the path of totality.

Famous Solar Eclipses in History: Moments That Changed the World

Solar eclipses have fascinated humanity for millennia, often seen as omens or divine messages. They have also played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and inspiring awe across different cultures. Here are some of the most notable eclipses throughout history:

The Eclipse of 585 B.C.: An Omen of Peace – According to Herodotus, a solar eclipse ended a war between the Medes and the Lydians. The sudden darkness was seen as a sign from the gods, prompting both armies to cease fighting. This event is one of the earliest recorded instances of an eclipse influencing historical events.
Halley’s Eclipse (1715) – Edmond Halley, of Halley’s Comet fame, accurately predicted the path of a total solar eclipse across England. His successful forecast demonstrated the power of mathematical astronomy and marked a turning point in public confidence in scientific predictions.
The Eclipse of 1919: Proving Einstein’s Theory – During the total solar eclipse of 1919, Sir Arthur Eddington measured the bending of starlight near the sun, confirming Einstein’s theory of general relativity. This experiment provided the first observational evidence supporting the idea that gravity can bend light.
The Great American Eclipse of 2017 – On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse crossed the entire continental United States. It was one of the most widely viewed eclipses in history, drawing millions of people outdoors to witness the spectacle. The event sparked a renewed interest in astronomy and was a major social media sensation.
The South American Eclipse of 2019 – The July 2, 2019, total solar eclipse brought eclipse chasers to Chile and Argentina, where clear skies offered spectacular views. The event highlighted the rising trend of “eclipse tourism,” with travelers flocking to prime viewing locations in the Andes Mountains.
The Pandemic Eclipse of 2020 – The total solar eclipse of December 14, 2020, was visible across parts of Chile and Argentina. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person gatherings were limited, and many people watched the event online via live streams. It was a unique example of how technology allowed the world to witness a celestial spectacle despite global travel restrictions.

Historical illustration of the 1842 total solar eclipse by Johann Christian Schoeller, showing the darkened sky with the Sun completely obscured by the Moon and the bright corona visible around the edges. — Illustration of the total solar eclipse observed in 1842 by Johann Christian Schoeller. Image sourced from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license (CC BY-SA 4.0).

My Journey to Fredericton: The Build-Up to Totality

The morning of April 8 was filled with anticipation. I had experienced partial solar eclipses before, but this time, I was determined to see the full spectacle of totality. The weather forecast predicted clear skies — a rarity for spring in eastern Canada — and I felt a surge of optimism as I packed my bag for the trip. I didn’t have official eclipse glasses, so in a last-minute pinch, I borrowed the lens from a welding mask. It wasn’t ideal; the green tint would distort the colors of the sun, but it provided the necessary eye protection.

The drive from St. George to Fredericton took nearly two hours. As I navigated the winding roads, I noticed the traffic building up — it felt like a shared journey, a collective quest. The closer I got to the city, the more evident it became that I was not alone in my pursuit; the traffic was nearly bumper-to-bumper leading into the capital. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, like a festival dedicated to the cosmos.

I arrived in downtown Fredericton with time to spare. I chose a spot on the steps of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, directly across from the historic Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. The area was buzzing with people — from seasoned astronomers with high-tech telescopes to children using homemade pinhole projectors. It was a community of sky-watchers, all eagerly awaiting the same fleeting moment.

Eclipse chasers on the steps of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick, with the sky turning dark blue as the moon nears totality during the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse. — Eclipse chasers gather on the steps of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick, as the sky turns an eerie dark blue just before totality during the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse.

Experiencing Totality: A Moment of Cosmic Connection

As the clock approached 4 p.m. AST, the moon began its slow dance across the sun. At first, it was a small bite, barely noticeable, but over the next half hour, the shadow grew. By 4:33 p.m., the sky took on an eerie, otherworldly hue. It wasn’t quite night, but it wasn’t day either. The landscape was bathed in a ghostly blue light, and the temperature dropped noticeably.

At 4:34 p.m., the sun disappeared entirely, leaving only its corona — a breathtaking ring of light that seemed to pulse with energy. The sky went dark, as though a strange twilight had fallen upon the Earth. Streetlights flickered on, and the crowd around me fell into an awed silence, punctuated only by gasps of amazement. It was as if time had stopped.

Total solar eclipse with the sun's corona visible over the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick, during the April 8, 2024, eclipse. — Total solar eclipse over the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick, captured during the April 8, 2024, celestial event. The sun’s corona shines brightly as the sky darkens.

The total solar eclipse lasted 2 minutes and 17 seconds, but it felt like an eternity. I couldn’t take my eyes off the sky. It was a moment of pure wonder, a reminder of how small we are in the vastness of the universe. As the light returned, the crowd erupted into cheers. Strangers hugged, children jumped up and down, and for a brief moment, we were united by the shared experience of witnessing something truly extraordinary.

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Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick

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Research the Path of Totality

Planning to witness a total solar eclipse starts with knowing where to go. The path of totality is the narrow strip of land where the moon completely covers the sun, and it’s the only place where you can experience the breathtaking moment of totality. To find the best locations, use interactive maps from reliable sources like NASA or TimeandDate. These maps provide detailed information about the eclipse path, timing, and duration of totality.

Map of New Brunswick, Canada, displaying the path of totality for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. The shaded area marks where totality will occur, with the center line offering the longest duration of over 3 minutes. — Map showing the path of totality for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse over New Brunswick, Canada. The shaded area indicates locations that will experience totality, with longer durations closer to the center line. Image credits: Xavier M. Jubier, Google.

Aim to position yourself as close to the center line as possible. This line offers the longest duration of totality, giving you the best chance to fully experience the event. Be sure to research your chosen location well in advance and consider factors like weather, accessibility, and local accommodations. Prime spots along the center line often fill up quickly, so early planning is essential.

If you can, choose a location with clear, open skies and minimal light pollution. High-altitude or remote areas tend to offer better visibility, but also come with their own set of travel challenges.

Upcoming Total Solar Eclipses: Mark Your Calendar

Get ready for some of the most spectacular celestial events of the coming decade. From the Arctic Circle to the deserts of Egypt, these total solar eclipses offer a rare chance to witness the magic of totality in incredible destinations. Here’s when and where to catch the next big solar shows:

1. August 12, 2026 (Greenland, Iceland, Northern Spain)

Recommended Viewing Locations:

Qaanaaq, Greenland: A remote Arctic town offering a unique, adventurous experience with stunning natural landscapes.
Reykjavik, Iceland: Easy access with dramatic volcanic scenery; however, weather can be unpredictable.
Valencia, Spain: One of the longest durations of totality in Europe, with excellent viewing conditions and a vibrant urban setting.

Pro Tip: For clearer skies, head to the Faroe Islands, which are known for their remote beauty and reliable weather.

Map: View Eclipse Path