Latest news with #solareclipse
Forbes
5 days ago
- Forbes
Adventure Trips To View The 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
Savvy travelers are already planning their adventure trips for next year's total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The path of totality—the breathtaking effect of the moon completely obscuring the sun—which passes over Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and Northern Spain is so far north that most of the world will not see it. Cycle the Camino de Santiago In Spain, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a family-run company headquartered in Italy, is running a 15-day Cycling the Camino de Santiago trip with front-row seats to this amazing celestial event, where guests will experience totality for more than one minute. Founded in 1972 by Rick and Paola Malpezzi-Price, and now run by their daughters, Maria Elena and Monica, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours offers a wide range of bicycling vacations, including guided tours in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and new self-guided tours in Italy. With a range of touring styles and tour levels, exceptional local leaders, thoughtfully designed routes, and meaningful cultural immersion. The Cycling Camino De Santiago departure, from Roncesvalles to Santiago, is a rare opportunity to combine a legendary pilgrimage route with an unforgettable astronomical phenomenon. 'This is one of those experiences that feels almost mythic,' says Maria Elena Price. 'For many, a Camino journey is still very much about spiritual enlightenment and personal transformation. Now, add to that the experience of being in the path of totality, which if you've never experienced before, is hard to put into words the effect it has on you. To begin this trip with a total solar eclipse unfolding around you is magical and memorable, to say the least.' Meeting up in Pamplona, Spain, on August 10, 2026, the group will shuttle to the village of Roncesvalles to prepare bikes and visit the 13th-century monastery that is the traditional starting point for the Camino and where pilgrim's get their official passport. The ride itself starts the next day with a downhill run from Roncesvalles following the Iratí River, stopping to visit the 12th-century Romanesque Church of Santa María Eunate along the way. On day three of the trip, August 12, guests will stay at the Hotel Castillo El Collado, a historic castle-like hotel in the medieval hilltop town of Laguardia, with 360° views of the surrounding countryside. The eclipse will begin at approximately 7:30pm local time, with totality occurring around an hour later for a little over a minute. Hilltop Winery Viewing Experienced travel leader Wilderness Travel has also announced its program for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse, continuing their long-tradition of operating unique journeys guided by the world's pre-eminent subject matter experts. The 2026 solar program will take guests to the Iberian Peninsula, directly in the path of totality, to an exclusive hilltop viewing location in Lerma, Spain. This location was chosen in collaboration with esteemed eclipse meteorologist Jay Anderson for the finest weather potential and sweeping views across the flat Meseta Norte. In addition to stupendous views of the eclipse, guests can expect to enjoy fascinating culture, history, food, wine, and insightful programming on eclipses and cosmic wonders, curated by distinguished lecturer Dr. Alex Filippenko, Professor of Astronomy at UC Berkeley. Guests will explore the community of Lerma before heading to the private eclipse-viewing site at an expansive hilltop winery set at a formal ducal palace built for King Felipe III – located virtually on the centerline. Because the Total Eclipse will occur low on the horizon just one hour shy of sunset, guests can look forward to several effects being different from when totality is high overhead. Intensified atmospheric scattering should greatly enhance the colors of the eclipse and the surrounding horizon. The sun, which will appear magnified by the 'moon illusion,' will cast elongated shadow bands upon the landscape. In addition to the once-in-a-lifetime chance to view this perfect eclipse, throughout the rest of the itinerary guests will enjoy great food, wine, local history, culture, and architecture in addition to programming curated by Dr. Filippenko on eclipses and other astronomical phenomena. Travel experiences to witness next year's total solar eclipse will fill up fast. Don't miss the opportunity to view this celestial wonder from directly in the path of totality.
Forbes
02-08-2025
- Forbes
Where Luxury Travelers Should Book To See Europe's Rare 2026 Eclipse
Noctourism was outlined as one of the top travel trends for this year. getty With solar activity anticipated to peak at levels not seen in decades this year, interest in the night skies is soaring. In fact, noctourism was outlined as one of the top travel trends for this year, with nearly two-thirds (60%) of travellers seeking out experiences like star-bathing, stargazing and once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events, including the Northern Lights. And Europe is set to witness one of its most anticipated celestial events for decades next year: the continent's first total solar eclipse in 27 years. On 12th August 2026, the first total solar eclipse of this millennium will be visible from populated regions of Europe, offering people the extremely rare opportunity to experience this astronomical phenomenon from such an accessible continent. The last solar eclipse visible only along a narrow corridor spanning Mexico, the U.S., and Canada drove a 15-fold spike in hotel searches and a 304% surge in flight bookings. And given 2026 will mark the first time this rare phenomenon has been visible from Europe since 1999, the eclipse is expected to trigger a major surge in travel interest. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun and dramatically darkening the sky. Stars and planets near the Sun suddenly become visible, and the Sun's shimmering outer atmosphere, the corona, appears as a stunning silver halo around the Moon. And those in the path of totality can witness the thrilling moments just before and after peak eclipse, including the spectacular "diamond ring" effect, when the last sliver of sunlight creates a brilliant flash that resembles a diamond on a ring. Iceland and northern Spain are expected to be two of the best places to see the event in its totality. 'What makes this particularly special is how the shadow of the eclipse is set to cut across some of Europe's most dramatic landscapes, particularly Iceland's volcanoes and waterfalls in Snæfells Glacier National Park,' says Grant Holmes, Vice President of Travel at luxury travel community ASMALLWORLD. 'It will also pass over northern Spain, where cities like A Coruña, Bilbao, and Zaragoza—renowned for their culinary scenes—will be treated to a spectacular view of the eclipse in its totality." Where to See the Solar Eclipse in Totality in 2026 Watch the solar eclipse from a hot spring in Iceland Luxury travel operator Eskimos is offering an unforgettable eclipse viewing experience with front-row views from infinity-edge pools overlooking the North Atlantic. This comprehensive package includes a one-hour pre-eclipse infotainment session at the renowned Harpa Music Hall on August 11th, paired with a two-night stay at premium accommodation in Reykjavík. Watch as the Moon's shadow sweeps across the dramatic Icelandic landscape, steam rising into the darkening sky, and previously-invisible stars and planets come into view, all the while you soak in a 100°F geothermal pool. Experience the eclipse from a private spa house in the Icelandic mountains For complete privacy and tranquillity, Naut Lodge is an exclusive lakeside retreat in Borgarfjörður, just over an hour from Reykjavík. The fully restored lodge features one spacious suite and seven elegant double rooms, each with a private bathroom, ideal for families, friends, or intimate getaways. Guests can witness the eclipse surrounded by mountains and immersed in pristine Icelandic nature, from the comfort of the lodge's private Spa House, relaxing in the sauna, hot and cold tubs, with lakeside views as the Moon's shadow passes overhead. Chase the eclipse with astronauts in the pristine Arctic wilderness Join an extraordinary 14-day Total Solar Eclipse cruise expedition following the path of the 16th total solar eclipse of the 21st century as it sweeps between Spitsbergen and Iceland. Aboard PONANT's intimate expedition vessel, you'll witness this celestial phenomenon guided by astronauts Claudie and Jean-Pierre Haigneré, who bring unparalleled expertise to this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event. As totality transforms the Arctic sky, you'll be positioned in some of Earth's most spectacular and remote landscapes—from the dramatic mountains of Spitsbergen to the world's largest fjord system at Scoresby Sound, and the volcanic majesty of Jan Mayen Island. Between eclipse viewing, explore this pristine wilderness through Zodiac excursions with expert naturalist guides, kayak among icebergs, and cruise alongside towering glaciers while searching for polar bears, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, whales and countless seabirds.
Forbes
02-08-2025
- Science
- Forbes
Nature's Greatest Event Of The 21st Century Is Exactly Two Years Today
Libyan youths watch the solar eclipse in the desert tourist camp in Galo, 1300 km south of the Libyan capital of Tripoli, 29 March 2006. (Credit: KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Where were you on April 8, 2024? If you were in North America and, more specifically, within the narrow path of totality — you would have experienced something sublime. Darkness in the day. The sun's corona appeared around the moon's silhouette. Entire communities gathered for an event that made politics and division seem silly. A total solar eclipse is an amazing event — occurring just once every 366 years, on average, on any one place on Earth. On Aug. 22, 2027, one of those places is Luxor in Egypt, ancient Thebes — the capital of Ancient Egypt and home to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Here's everything you need to know about the 2027 total solar eclipse as anticipation builds for the century's longest remaining totality. Forbes The Greatest Eclipse Of Your Life Is Coming Soon — Here's What To Know By Jamie Carter The track of this eclipse is 9,462 miles (15,227 kilometers) long, beginning in the North Atlantic Ocean and ending in the Indian Ocean via the Iberian Peninsular, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsular. On the way, it will cross southern Spain, northern Morocco, northern Algeria, northern Tunisia, the northern coast of Libya, Egypt, the northeast corner of Sudan, southwestern Saudi Arabia, Yemen, northeastern Somalia and the northern islands of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The path of totality is about 160 miles (275 kilometers) wide. Forbes See The Longest Total Solar Eclipse Left This Century — And It's Guaranteed A Clear Sky By Jamie Carter It all depends on where you watch from. Within any path of totality, it lasts longest on the centerline, but in addition, there's always a place of maximum eclipse at local midday. That's simply where the moon is closest to Earth (our planet is curved, remember!). On Aug. 2, 2027, that place is just to the southeast of Luxor, where an exceptionally long totality of six minutes and 23 seconds will take place — the longest remaining of the 21st century. Forbes The 'Eclipse Of The Century' Is 1,000 Days Away — What To Know And Where To Go By Jamie Carter In advance of most total solar eclipses, everyone wants to know where the best places are to watch. Usually, that means where the totality will last longest and where the weather will likely be clear. In 2027, that means Luxor for both. Clear weather is almost guaranteed, according to eclipse weather expert Jay Anderson, who writes: 'Some parts of the eclipse track — over Libya and western Egypt — have seen no August cloud on eclipse day whatsoever in the past 23 years.' However, given that huge crowds are certain in Luxor, there are other places to consider where the totality duration is a little shorter. Weather-wise, standouts include southern Spain, northern Morocco and anywhere in Egypt except for the coast. Cadiz, Spain: 2 minutes and 47 seconds of totality. Tangier, Morocco: 4 minutes and 48 seconds of totality. Oran, Algeria: 5 minutes and 6 seconds of totality. Kerkennah Islands, Tunisia: 5 minutes and 42 seconds of totality. Siwa Oasis, Egypt: 5 minutes 29 seconds of totality. Luxor, Egypt: 6 minutes 22 seconds of totality. Forbes Meet The Country About To Have Three Solar Eclipses In Three Years By Jamie Carter The Next Total Solar Eclipse The next total solar eclipse is on Aug. 12, 2026, when Greenland, Iceland, and Spain will witness a maximum 2-minute, 18-second totality. The next total solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. will occur on Aug. 22, 2044, when Greenland, Canada's Northwest Territories, South Dakota and North Dakota will witness a maximum of 2 minutes and 4 seconds totality. Disclaimer: I am the editor of and the author of When Is The Next Eclipse? A traveler's guide to total solar eclipses 2026-2034 . Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
The National
24-07-2025
- Science
- The National
Rare total solar eclipse to plunge Middle East into darkness in 2027
A rare and dramatic moment of darkness will take place in the afternoon over parts of the Middle East on August 2, 2027, as a total solar eclipse sweeps across three continents. Parts of Saudi Arabia and Yemen will plunge into night-like conditions for six minutes, an experience that will not happen again for another 100 years. The total eclipse, one of the longest of the century, will also pass over southern Europe and North Africa, with millions of people to witness the celestial wonder. 'This alignment will bring more than six minutes of total darkness in some areas, particularly in Luxor, Egypt, where totality will last up to six minutes and 23 seconds, making it the longest eclipse visible from land this century,' said Khadijah Ahmed, operations manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group. The event in Luxor will make it the longest land-based total eclipse since 1991 and until the year 2114, according to Nasa. Cities like Jeddah will also be under the path of totality, and will witness the Moon fully block the Sun in midafternoon, turning skies dark, revealing the solar corona, or the outermost part of the Sun's atmosphere. 'In the UAE, along with countries like Oman, Jordan, Iraq and parts of India, a partial eclipse will be visible,' said Ms Ahmed. 'In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Moon will cover around 55 per cent of the Sun, creating a mesmerising crescent-shaped Sun at the peak of the eclipse.' A rare event for the region Solar eclipses take place when there is perfect alignment between the Earth, Moon and Sun, a coincidence does not repeat in the same spot for hundreds of years. Its path of totality also stretches across some of the most densely populated areas in the world, including southern Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. The totality will take place in the midafternoon for many regions, which means there will be chances of clear skies and good visibility. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in parts of the Middle East was in 1999. Safety first It is unsafe to look at the Sun during an eclipse. Special glasses are recommended for those observing the event. Ms Ahmed said that even a brief glance can cause permanent eye damage. 'Always use ISO 12312-2 certified solar viewing glasses … regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe,' she said. 'If using binoculars, cameras or telescopes, ensure they are fitted with solar filters over the front lens. Using optical equipment without proper filters can concentrate sunlight and cause instant eye damage.' A moment for science A solar eclipse also gives researchers an opportunity to study the Sun in more detail. When the Moon fully blocks the Sun, it reveals the faint outer atmosphere known as the corona, which is difficult to observe because of the Sun's intense glare. Researchers use this brief window to study solar activity, including magnetic fields, solar wind and coronal mass ejections, which can disrupt satellites and communication systems on Earth. Last month, the European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission helped create an artificial solar eclipse, when two satellites flew in perfect formation to mimic the effect of the Moon blocking the Sun. This allowed scientists to observe the Sun's corona for several hours instead of just a few minutes. When is the next solar eclipse? A total solar eclipse will not appear in the region until 2081. A partial solar eclipse will take place in the UAE on June 1, 2030. A total lunar eclipse, when the Moon moves into Earth's shadow, will be visible in the UAE on September 7, 2025. The eclipse will begin at 7.28pm UAE time, with totality to start at 9.30pm before it reaches its peak at 10.11pm.
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
America's Total Solar Eclipse Changed Lives — These New Films Show How
The total solar eclipse from a cloudy Brady, Texas, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty ... More Images) Did you and your community feel an 'eclipse effect' on April 8, 2024? When the moon's shadow swept across North America that day, it plunged about 50 million people — and thousands of communities — into an awe-inspiring darkness during a rare total solar eclipse. Those with clear skies got to see the silhouette of the moon block the sun's disk, revealing its ethereal corona — the 'hole in the sky' moment. Now, a trio of films is giving fresh life to that precious moment of totality — capturing not just the celestial spectacle, but the human stories around it. 1. In Totality Debuting on Friday, July 25, at New York City's Rooftop Film Festival is In Totality, a short film directed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Jesse Rudoy (Dusty & Stones) that follows Debra Ross, chair of Rochester, New York's 2024 eclipse task force, in the tense final days leading up to the eclipse — after seven years preparing. It begins with Ross promoting the eclipse at a baseball game and on radio and TV stations, via a play and a musical performance. As the day approaches, the weather forecast begins to look rosy — and then it suddenly worsens. 'As a filmmaker, I wanted her and Rochester to get their perfect, sunny eclipse. But the version they got gave us something deeper,' said Rudoy, in an interview. 'When things start to go a little wrong, or there's tension in the air, you realize your film is becoming more interesting, more layered and frankly, better.' By the time of totality at 3:20 p.m., dense clouds obscured the view, with an eerie darkness and a golden horizon. 'She had told the people of Rochester that if it was cloudy, they should just hold hands with someone they love and embrace the moment,' said Rudoy. 'And in the end, that's exactly what she did.' If you were excited for the eclipse and then clouded-out, like Rochester was, expect In Totality to pack an emotional punch. 2. A Moment In The Sun Also now previewing at film festivals across the country is A Moment In The Sun from filmmakers Mia Weinberger and Thomas van Kalkenthe —the story of the last town in the U.S to experience totality. Houlton, Maine — population 6,000 — close to the Canada border, was predicted to be one of the cloudiest places along the entire path of totality. As it happened, it was a rare clear spot, resulting in thousands of visitors that nobody had expected. Like In Totality, the 77-minute A Moment In The Sun focuses not on the eclipse, but on the people the directors encountered as they tried to capture the lead-up to the eclipse. 'The four characters we ended up following included a local astronomer who shared his first eclipse with his late husband in 1997, a civic planner who had been preparing for this day for almost 3 years, a freshly minted entrepreneur with 800 eclipse t-shirts to sell and a couple who said 'I do' right at the moment of totality,' said Weinberger to FilmInk. A Moment In The Sun will screen at 5:45 p.m. EDT on Friday, July 25, at The Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, Portland, Maine, as part of the Maine Outdoor Film Festival. It will also screen in Houlton's Temple Theatre from Friday, Sept. 5-11. Both films come in the wake of NASA's Emmy Award for Outstanding Live News Special for its three hours of live coverage of the 2024 total solar eclipse, announced at the 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards in New York City on June 25. It got 40 million views. 3. Totality Seeking to unearth stories from individuals and communities from Mazatlan, Mexico, to Bonavista, Newfoundland, on April 8, 2024, is Totality, a 90-minute documentary from Sandbox Films. It tracks a range of communities over the year leading up to the eclipse, as people across three North American countries prepare for the event. Co-directed by Oscar-nominated filmmakers Kate Davis and David Heilbroner, the production included 21 film teams across the path. It's due to have a theatrical and festival release early in 2026. 'With no tickets required, no political agenda nor winners and losers, Totality captures a rare moment of unity as some 50 million gather for a lightshow performed by the sun and moon,' said Davis, in an email, 'reminding us that we all stand on the same tiny dot in a vast universe.' Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
