It is time to get ready for the 2019 total solar eclipse that will happen in South America! I’m very excited about my trip to Chile for the 2019 total solar eclipse.
What is a solar eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the shadow of the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun. This only happens when 1) the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth are on a straight line, 2) the Moon is in between the Sun and the Earth (a new moon), 3) the moon is at the right location between the Earth and the Sun to cast a shadow on the Earth. Not all solar eclipses are viewable. It may happen in the middle of ocean or over land that is inhabitable (for example, Antarctica).
Types of solar eclipses
Total solar eclipse (totality): when the moon completely covers the sun
Annular solar eclipse: when the moon disk is just a little short to cover the whole sun and leaves the outer ring of the sun uncovered
Partial solar eclipse: when the moon only covers part of the sun
When and where was the last totality
The last totality happened across North America on August 21 2017 (read my story about viewing the 2017 total solar eclipse).
When and where is the next one
The next totality will happen across South America on July 2 2019.
Is it worth it to travel to see one
After I saw my first total solar eclipse in 2017, my answer to this question is definitely positive. I will travel to a total solar eclipse whenever I can!
Here is my description of what the 2017 totality was like: “The totality was beyond impressive. I have never seen anything like it. The sky was still quite bright even when the sun was pretty much covered. At the moment when the totality happened, the sky suddenly darkened, the temperature dropped, and the world was silent. It was a strange feeling. It was even more strange when I saw the horizon was still in bright sunlight, while the sky above me was dark. It was like being under a super small and dark rain cloud. But when you looked up, you could see the corona of the sun, which looked like a circular candle flame flickering around the edges.”
It is very hard to use words to describe totality. You will have to experience it yourself.
Tips for travel to totality
1. Plan early and get a place to stay within the totality zone: Getting a place within the totality zone is the key here. And don’t think you will find a good place, or any place at all, to stay when time is close. Remember, it is no fun at all to drive for hours in to and hours out of the totality zone, especially with kids.
2. Plan the trip for more than just eclipse viewing: I enjoyed every part of our 2017 solar eclipse trip, the town, the stunning view, the hiking, the star gazing, the fire pit, the marshmallows, the ping pong tournament, the movies, and even the bugs.
3. Get settled a couple days before the big day: We didn’t run into any traffic AT ALL in 2017. We arrived at our destination a couple days before the eclipse day. We got all the supplies we needed before the crowds poured in. And we sat back and enjoyed the entire time as a family.
4. Determine to enjoy family time with or without seeing the total eclipse: Accept the chance that the sun won’t show up during the total eclipse. There is no way to control the weather. So don’t let it become a spoiler! Family time is always fun time! Make it your adventure.
5. Be relaxed and enjoy a couple more days of getaway time after the event: We didn’t run into any traffic AT ALL again on our way back home in 2017. What we brought back with us was a totally great memory!
Tips for travel to totality in 2019
In additional to the general tips I list above,
6. Be aware of weather: July is winter time in South America. If you are coming from the northern hemisphere, be ready for a mid-winter trip in the middle of your hot summer!
What is my travel plan to totality in 2019
We chose La Serena, Chile to be our 2019 total solar eclipse viewing location. We plan to arrive in Santiago, Chile about 10 days before the eclipse. We will spend a few days in Santiago and Valparaíso. We will then visit the Atacama Desert for a few days before heading to La Serena. We plan to arrive in La Serena a few days before the eclipse and depart a few days after that. I was hoping to see Patagonia, but since it’s going to be winter there, maybe next time.
What do I plan to bring
I want to be mobile during this trip. I plan to only bring a backpack with a couple pairs of fast drying long pants, a couple fast drying long sleeve shirts as a base layer, a few fast drying undergarments, a few pairs of fast drying socks, a sweater, and a weather-proof winter jacket.
Read my article about how to pack efficiently.
I also plan to bring a tripod for photographing the solar eclipse and of course a certified sun shade for protecting my eyes and a certified sun filter for protecting my camera. I bought my certified sun shade and certified sun filter with Rainbow Symphony. It is very important to always use a certified sun shade when viewing the sun directly. Otherwise, it can permanently damage your eyes.
When and where is there a total solar eclipse after the 2019 total solar eclipse
The next total solar eclipse after the 2019 South America total solar eclipse will be on December 14 2020. It will pass South America again, but it will be summer time!
La Serena
Santiago
Valparaíso
Atacama Desert
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