Antarctica 2021 - Pandemic Chase

 The results are in... 

Covid caused at least one major cancellation of a cruise ship.

The majority of ships did not see totality. One managed to see it between the clouds.

On the ice (glacier) the sky was clear. A live feed from NASA was provided from that location.

The aircraft managed to see totality above the clouds.

There were several problems as might be expected. Covid was the root of them all. The original aircraft set up to be used for the aerial intercept were grounded because they did not have the range in case of emergency. An original emergency stop option was rescinded due to recent changes in Covid protocols. A different type of aircraft had to be used, at a great expense. Everyone was able to see the eclipse, just not according to the original plan. Some had to share rows.

Congratulations to all that attempted to travel to this eclipse. It was not easy. Tons of paper work, numerous queues to have papers processed, lots of covid testing, and wearing a mask almost all the time. This was not an eclipse for most. The pandemic continues and Antarctica is not an easy (nor cheap) place to visit.

4 Dec 21 TSE

The next TSE is just days away and eclipse chasers are getting into position. Cruise (expedition) ships and aircraft will be the primary ways to see the eclipse. But not all the regulars will be in the umbra path. Some of us are missing it because of any number of reasons. This eclipse is not an easy one to see as it goes over Antarctica. That means it is expensive, there are limited spaces available, and with the exception of the aircraft intercepts - the weather is not expected to be great for eclipse viewing. Add in a global pandemic and you've got the right mix for an amazing adventure.

Reports from those on the road talk about multiple covid tests, gobs of paperwork, and general excitement about the adventure. One ship has dropped out and that is indeed tragic.

We wish all eclipse chasers the best of luck. This is a relatively short duration totality and not easy to get to see.

For those of us not headed to the shadow, the option of viewing an online live feed is of interest. Unfortunately there are few, if any, options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO-kY9HX2_w

https://www.timeanddate.com/live/

Be sure to visit their detail page: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2021-december-4

Covid Strikes Again!

Yesterday we learned that one of the ships that had planned to carry eclipse chasers to the totality path has been cancelled. The reason, four crew members tested positive for Covid-19. Over a hundred experienced eclipse chasers, including Mr Eclipse (Fred Espenak), were given the news. There is virtually no other option available as travel is restricted to other possible venues. Several travelers are already at the port city and will now have to find a way home (after taking in some local sites).

This is unfortunate. Another TSE chase blocked by the "Corona Virus". Hopefully the other ships and air intercepts will be a go. Many of us decided to sit this one out some time ago for a variety of reasons including possible Covid outbreaks. We are all sad and empathize with those left hanging by the Quark Expeditions cancellation.

December 2021 Total Solar Eclipse

Did you just win the lottery? Made a fortune on a hot stock? Found a bunch of bitcoins just laying around in a digital wallet? Well - Even though space is limited, you can still book a trip to the solar eclipse in December 2021. Check these sites out, some have wait lists, some still have open spaces!

A Classic Tours Flight

Adventure Smith Explorations Cruise

Eclipse Tours Cruise

Sky and Telescope Flight

Smithsonian Journeys Cruise

Wilderness Travel Cruise

One thing, before signing up for any eclipse cruise, be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that there will be a meteorologist on board! I've chased 18 eclipses, seen 17 of them, the only failure was to join a cruise with no on board weather expertise. 

Antarctica Eclipse Chase

To all those going to Antarctica to see the December '21 TSE, good luck. We won't be joining you for a number of personal reasons. But we do wish all of you the best of luck.

First problem is getting there. Embarkation for the expeditions are mostly from southern Chile, Argentina, and Australia. Some travel is now permitted in these areas following strict pandemic lock down protocols. Check with the respective countries for up to date information about pre travel vaccination requirements, testing requirements, and potential quarantine delays. Hopefully these issues will be minimal.

Second problem is weather. Even aircraft can encounter issues with weather delays for take off. Ships will have to keep a keen eye on the clouds since the elevation of the eclipse will be rather low in the sky (under 20 degrees).

Third problem will be duration. From land (or sea) totality will be under two minutes. While that is not the shortest possible time for totality, it will pass quickly. Aircraft observing will gain a little longer time in the umbral shadow. Compared to the time required to reach totality, it is a very short duration.

So why are we not going? Simple reason really. Antarctica is not a warm place to visit. There is still a global pandemic underway. Expensive! 

Planning for 2023 and 2024 though! Maybe see you there?

Changes to Eclipse-Chasers.Com

 Soon you will see Eclipse-Chasers.Com under new management! The updates will greatly modernize the interface and remove many of the minor bugs that have plagued the system in the past. Existing Log files as of January 2021 were moved to the new format. Your original password will still unlock the log for your entries and edits.

Update your log now by adding your email, a new password, and nationality (if not already entered).

See you at a future eclipse!

Oh, by the way, I plan to upload cartoons to this blog from now on. Gives me a chance to explain them a little, kind of.