The eclipse chaser’s guide to the 2026 total solar eclipse
All the tips and tricks you need to watch and photograph this incredible celestial phenomenon
By Lucie McCormick edited by Claire Cameron
A view of the April 8 total solar eclipse from Mason, Tex., shows several reddish solar prominences within the sun's white corona.
I’ve chased eclipses for years. Everything I’ve learned about how best to capture these celestial phenomena has come through several chaotic travel experiences and the generosity of other eclipse enthusiasts. Now I’m gearing up to catch the coming total solar eclipse on August 12—and I want to share my secrets with you.
On that day, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the Northern Hemisphere, traveling from Russia to Spain while passing over parts of Greenland, Iceland and Portugal. A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, shrouding our star in darkness and casting the land below into shadow. The path of totality is the area of Earth that will see the entirety of the sun blocked out by the moon—read our guide to know where exactly the path of totality is for this eclipse, and where to expect a partial eclipse.
A total solar eclipse is an incredible sight to behold. Whether you plan to be in the path of totality for this upcoming eclipse or a future one, here are a few tips and tricks to make sure you have the best viewing experience.
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
The closer we are to the eclipse, the more expensive travel and hotels in the path of totality become. The demand can influence the costs and availability of flights, lodging and rental cars. In other words, if you want to see an eclipse, it’s best to sort out basic accommodation and transportation early. And try booking a refundable option. There’s always a chance that a change in the forecast will call for a new viewing location, meaning you will need to move.
Tours and events tend to be planned around eclipses—including by Scientific American. These gatherings can be a great way to build community or ease the burden of logistics, but a tour isn’t necessary; once you’re in the path of totality, all you have to do is look up.
Anytime you plan to look at the sun, make sure you have the proper eyewear first. Never look at the sun without protective eyewear or a solar filter.
Eclipse glasses and binoculars should have a safety rating called ISO 12312-2. This is an international standard that ensures glasses filter 99.99 percent of all sunlight—anything less than this can lead to eye damage. It’s common for fakes to enter the market, so be sure you’re buying from a reputable seller with this ISO rating.
The only time it is safe to look at the sun without eye protection is during totality—for this eclipse, that will last around a minute—and not a second longer. If you’re outside the path of totality—even if you have a 99 percent partial eclipse—you still need protecting eyewear to ensure you don’t damage your vision.
My second total eclipse was in Argentina in 2019. I flew into Buenos Aires with the intention of watching from the city. But a couple of days before totality, the forecast showed cloudy skies on the day of the eclipse. Because I was there to photograph it, I couldn’t chance an uncertain forecast, so I compared several cloud maps to find an area that was projected to have consistently clear skies inside the path of totality. The day before the eclipse, I flew across the country to the city of Río Cuarto and drove into a small, rural town and managed to catch a beautiful totality just over the horizon.
All that is to say, to be certain that you are getting the best viewing experience, it’s helpful to do more than check the weather forecast. Comparing cloud maps such as those on Ventusky and AccuWeather can help pinpoint areas with clear skies during totality.
Source: Read the original article on www.scientificamerican.com