We are eclipse chasers or umbraphiles. The first time I heard that word was from a fellow eclipse chaser with whom we have seen three eclipses. I was shocked that there was a special word to describe this passion. But, eclipse chasing is a topic in Wikipedia, which does an excellent job describing those who travel to see eclipses.
“Eclipse chasing is the pursuit of observing solar eclipses when they occur around the Earth[1] Solar eclipses must occur at least twice and as often as five times a year across the Earth. Total eclipses may occur multiple times every few years.[2]
A person who chases eclipses is known as a umbraphile, meaning shadow lover.[3] Umbraphiles often travel for eclipses and use various tools to help view the Sun including solar viewers also known as eclipse glasses, as well as telescopes.[4][5] “ Eclipse chasing/Wikipedia. See link below.
In Early April I saw my sixth total eclipse along with 1700 people on the cruise ship, Zaandam, 100 miles off the coast of Mexico as part of a Sky and Telescope/Insight Cruises group. When I was a teenager in New Jersey, I saw my first eclipse. With my husband, in our eclipse chasing, we have been off the coast of Aruba in 1998; in Austria/Hungary in 1999; off the coast of Greece in 2005; in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in 2017; and now in the Pacific Ocean.
Once you see a total eclipse of the sun, it envelops you with its majesty and awe. You easily understand why primitive people were petrified when then sunlight disappeared and darkness and chill covered the Earth. Even today, with all the information about eclipses, you can hear it in the voices of the people who know exactly what is happening, but still are overcome. Especially those who are seeing their first eclipse. Many often say. “This is my first one, but it will not be my last!” And if they have the means, I know it is true.
The Captain of the cruise ship was one of these first timers. He did everything he could to get us on the path of totality aware from clouds. This meant traveling 100 miles off the coast of Mexico and centered on the eclipse path! He was as caught in the excitement as everyone else, passengers and crew, spending time with the passengers. “ Many asked, who is driving the boat.” And “Are all the crew members getting to see it?” Arrangements were made so that everyone who wanted to could take a quick peek outside.
On this cruise, there were 250 in our group under the auspices of Sky and Telescope/Insight Cruises, and 100s of others who came with other astronomic groups to see the eclipse. There was even a group of Trekkies who came in association with our group.
Astronomers, both professional and amateur, astronauts, physicists, college professors, scientists, and many ordinary people like me, who just love the thrill of seeing the sun go black and the corona become visible.
To feel the cool breezes as the sunshine diminishes.
To see the heightened shadows and the ripples in the ground.
To see the darkness overhead, while all around in the horizon, there is light.
My husband says this is where the word AWE came from. The awe of the total eclipse of the sun.
We umbraphiles own welders glasses, obsidian, special viewing glasses, binoculars, telescopes and other special materials to make our viewing the best it can be. We, personally, do not bring telescopes. But those who do bring them are often eager to share their equipment for others to get a peek. But we do bring binoculars which were great to see the sun at totality and also to see the two NASA jets high in the sky chasing the eclipse!
The art of making pinholes that allow miniature partial eclipse to slip through brings joy to some. People have colanders or straw hats so they can see dozens of partial eclipses showing on the ground of on white paper. Some make pinhole designs to capture a unique view of the eclipse.
It is true that before, during and after the eclipse, there are people humming the melody or singing out loud the words to “I’m Being Followed by a Moon Shadow” by Cat Stevens. I am one of the hummers. Actually, we are following the moon shadow.
On our trip were many who had seen over 10 – 12 eclipses. They go to every one possible. My husband and I have missed some we wish we could have seen. But we make an effort to see as many as we can. We have spent close to 25 minutes in the darkness of the moon’s shadow in totality. And yes we already have plans to see one off the coast of Spain in 2026! If you get the chance, chase at least one eclipse. You will not regret it!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_chasing
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