The 2010 Total Solar Eclipse

Introduction

We will by flying to Tahiti, then on to Tatakoto, a small island in the Pacific, to observe a total solar eclipse. Unlike previous trips to Mongolia, Antarctica, or the Sahara desert, this trip promises the luxury of 5 star hotels and sandy beaches.

Previous trips to see eclipses are listed here. What is a total solar eclipse? Well, through an amazing coincidence in geometry, every few years the Moon blocks out the Sun creating a solar eclipse. The Sun is 400 times the size of the Moon, and 400 times as distant, so they appear to be the same size when viewed from Earth. When the orbit of the Moon takes it between the Sun and the Earth, the shadow of the Moon is cast upon the Earth. If the Moon is close enough to the Earth, someone located near the middle of that shadow will see the Moon exactly block out the Sun in a spectacular show. This is a "Total Solar Eclipse", arguably the most spectacular show in astronomy.

Daily Log / Updates

July 11, 2010 - Eclipse Success!

We saw all of totality through a hole in the clouds. Below are some first look pictures:

July 9, 2010 - Flying USA to Tahiti

Today we fly from Los Angeles to Nadi, Fiji, beginning the Astronomical Tours group tour to Tatakoto.

Links

• Other solar eclipses I have seen, plus a list of upcoming eclipses.

• 2010 Eclipse Information:
  • NASA / Fred Espenak's maps, tables, and information.
  • Jay Anderson's weather prospects.

• Other Useful Information:
  • Solar Eclipse Mailing List.

Please visit my main astronomy page, or check out my homepage.

Comments? Questions? Click here to send email to me, Fred Bruenjes.

All text and images are © 2010 Manfred Bruenjes - All Rights Reserved. Image inlining (aka hot linking) and framing are strictly prohibited. Email for permission before using an image or text.