Australian psychologist Kate Russo, who has seen 13 total solar eclipses since 1999, is preparing to witness her 14th in Uvalde, Texas. She is just one of many eclipse chasers who have arrived in North America for the event. Experts estimate that more than a million people will travel towards the path of totality to experience the phenomenon. Many eclipse chasers combine their love of astronomy, exploration, science, and travel into a mission to see as many eclipses in their lifetime as possible.
Russo described the emotional and immersive experience of being in the shadow of the moon during a total solar eclipse. She shared that the moment the eclipse begins is a surreal experience, where everything seems to be turned upside down. Despite cultural or linguistic differences, people have a similar emotional response to witnessing a total solar eclipse, feeling connected to something greater.
Other eclipse chasers, like David Makepeace and Paul Maley, also speak of the addictive nature of chasing eclipses and the emotional impact of witnessing such a beautiful event. Maley, who has seen 83 eclipses across 42 countries since 1970, even launched a tourism company to take people on trips to see eclipses around the world. For the upcoming eclipse, he organized a boat cruise off the coast of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.
British eclipse chaser Patrick Poitevin, on a quest to catch his 26th total solar eclipse, often combines his love of scientific innovation and astronomy when chasing eclipses. For this upcoming eclipse in Mexico, he plans to sit back and enjoy the view with just a pair of binoculars in hand, taking in the experience without distractions. Other eclipse chasers advise first-timers to put away their cameras and phones and fully immerse themselves in the moment.
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Photo credit www.bbc.co.uk
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