I’m contemplating an adventure. I want to go wild camping in France and Spain (I know, not legal) with a full solar eclipse as destination. However, I’m worried that this solar eclipse might not be worth the long drive. It will only be 8 degrees above the horizon at sun dawn. Of course I’d have to look for a hill with clear view to the west, but I worry about two things:
At sun dawn, the sun appears bigger than mid day. So I wonder if the sun will indeed be fully eclipsed and if the corona effect will be visible.
At sun dawn it will become darker anyway, so will I notice much of a difference?
As a solar eclipse in Europe is a once in a lifetime event, I believe the next one is in 60 years, I’m willing to drive if it’s worth it.
What do you think?
Yes! Totality is a very rare experience
Seconded - drove out to the middle of nowhere in Idaho in 2017 to be in the path of totality and it was the most breathtaking experience of my life.
Can confirm! We made the drive to Idaho as well. Coolest experience I have ever had!
Me too 😂 it was such a perfectly clear day too. Found a park with a little lake by the Oregon border dead center in the path.
Are you me? It was absolutely incredible!
I guess I wasn’t as impressed as everybody else in the world. Just looked like a big rock going in front of the sun for a minute and things getting dimmer.
Then you're probably in the wrong sub matey
Plus, if they start now they only need to drive a little over 4 minutes a day. They'll barely notice.
Sounds about right, lol
not really. It's rare at a given location, but not rare if you are willing to travel.
Well yeah, that was the question, is it worth the 17 hr drive, and it is a rare experience if you don’t make the effort. The majority of people rarely get to see totality.
yes.
the sun is no larger or smaller on the horizon. it may appear larger due to the “moon illusion” but will have no real effect on the solar eclipse.
the sun being 8 degrees in the sky means it’ll still be day. the world around you is going to briefly transform from day to night and it is a genuine once (or a few times) in a lifetime experience. it’s not just about the moon eclipsing the sun.
I only had to drive 3 hours totality in April of '24. Wow. It was absolutely one of those once in a lifetime things. I'm glad I could share it with my kids. I'd have pulled them from school regardless, but they closed the schools that day too.
We were at a friend's farm. The animals all started making noise, heading in for their bed time as the sky got darker. The folks I went to see were not very 'into' the eclipse, until they started to watch it. I was happy to be able to share a new kind of experience with a group of people who -even living in the path - would not have looked up for the event.
I've only seen the 2017 one but it was the same thing regarding some friends who didn't really care before they saw it. Once totality started it was a couple minutes of "oh my God!" and "holy shit!". Pretty great... Everyone seems to underestimate how amazing it really is.
These guys started awwing over it when I showed them the first bite out. That's when it was, alright, let's go be prepared to stay here for this entierty, instead of yeah, you can watch it here's we'll just carry on with chores though.
How long are people usually driving for these things?
In 2017 my friend was in Wyoming at an airport and just before it started a private jet flew in, a handful of Arabs with turbans got out and watched the eclipse on the tarmac, then got back in and flew away after it was over. I would absolutely drive hundreds of miles to experience totality again…
Wow most I ever went was 45 minutes into burlington, we were supposed to go to hamilton but the roads were clogged
I lived in the 97% area and asked if it was worth the drive. I was assured it was, and I had a farm to land at. The roads were heavy with traffic. It should have been a 2 hour drive, but heavy traffic made for slow moving. The roads were still full when the event happened, I expect most of those folks were trying to get somewhere.
I don't know if I would have driven that far to go watch at a public park, but because I had a proper landing place, and was assured the drive was worth it (it was) I went.
For 2017, we drove many hours to South Dakota, stayed a while, and then backtracked to Wyoming for the eclipse. The traffic home was crazy and it took us almost 12 hours to drive a usually 3 hour distance.
For 2024, we flew to Texas and stayed in a place that was in the path. But a storm hit right after and cancelled our flight home, so we drove 26 hours straight to get home in time for school.
Both absolutely worth it. And would do both again without question.
I've flown to Chile twice (my first total eclipse was on Easter Island), Australia, Indonesia and the USA for the experience. Greetings from The Netherlands.
BTW, I will be in Spain next August. It's almost next door.
Meanwhile, we got opaque clouds through totality 🤣
I'm still glad I got to see what I did before that, but damn, I was disappointed 😅
I was so worried it would be cloudy. It was cloudy. The first bite out of the sun was seen from behind clouds. Those clouds cleared as totality approached, and gave us a spectacular view. As the moon started to get past the sun, those clouds came right back filling the sky.
There's a theory that the coldness that totality brings helps clear out the clouds. I'm sure they have to be fairly thin or partly cloudy skies as a fully overcast sky might not clear out fully.
It’s as if it is sunset in every direction.
Bugs will start chirping like it’s night time during the eclipse.
All the birds around us started flying west as if to chase the setting sun light on a normal late evening. Except it was like 2pm in the afternoon lol
Bonus: there’s another total solar eclipse in Malaga, August 2027.
You really don't know until you actually see totality. You can't explain it with words or photos. You must experience it. If you can do it, you should!
A 100% solar eclipse is a million times better than even a 99.99% eclipse. That last sliver of the sun going behind the moon is crazy.
https://xkcd.com/2914/
There is always an appropriate XKCD.
My last eclipse was many years ago… I'm just starting out in astrophotography and I'm an amateur landscape photographer, especially those who take astrophotographs of the Milky Way. Now I'm really keen to see and photograph it; I have all my equipment ready, locations booked, and accommodations arranged. We'll see if I'm lucky :)
The first sliver of sun coming out of eclipse (the diamond ring) is also amazing beyond words.
But during totality, the illusion of there being a hole in the sky is awesome.
The next solar eclipse in Europe will be in 2027 in southern Spain. It will also be one of the longest in the century, with totality lasting almost 5 minutes.
That said, I also want to see the 2026 one, in case the sky is overcast in 2027.
Oh I see, I missed that one. Good to have a plan b in case the 2026 one is overcast.
August 2, 2027, totally path thru Gibraltar Strait. I doubt that the sky in the Southernmost point of Spain during summertime would be overcast. Hopefully, I’ll be there and the location I selected not really crowded.
Yes. I got to experience totality in 2017 and it was the best thing I’ve experienced. If I could drive 17 hours to see it again, I absolutely would in a heartbeat.
Me too! I went from Italy to Wyoming and that day I drove more than 1000 km to reach the path of totality... Totally worth it.
Yes. Absolutely. But be prepared for road gridlock before and especially after the event.
100% this. Plan to be there hours ahead.
if not days ahead
Yess!
Totality is a top 10 lifetime experience for me easily. Left me in tears and awe at the beauty of it
Same here. Seeing one last year from my front porch was awe-inspiring. There are really no words for how amazing it is. You have to see it for yourself, and I’m so glad I got to experience it with my best gal at my side.
Yes 100%. But be prepared to pivot and drive even further if there’s risk of cloud cover wherever you end up!
I experienced a total solar eclipse when I was in high school, and it was so incredible that I wish I could drive 17 hours and illegally rough it to see another. That's not an option for me, so I am going to fly to Australia in a couple years to see another.
If you have the opportunity, take it. It is an experience like no other. Partial eclipses — even ones that are near-totality — do not compare.
Gonna try to make it to newzealnd to see it where they filmed lord of the rings, I'm crossing my fingers we succeed
That was my first thought too, but it'll be smack in the middle of the Southern Hemisphere Winter, so I'm worried that the chance of obscuring clouds will be greater in Aotearoa.
So as much as I want to see the Shire, it'll have to wait until I can convince the wife to make a separate pilgrimage!
For my first eclipse, I flew to the other side of the world. For my second, I drove 22 hours. For both, I would do it again.
i've been to two total solar eclipses, but it was overcast both times. how much am i missing out on guys?? 😭
Quite a bit, seeing 100% was one of the coolest experiences of my life. The whole world around you just suddenly goes dark and quiet and there is such a surreal feeling to it.
The darkness you get even with clouds. But you are missing the view of the corona.
yes
Of course….
It’s super cool, but don’t underestimate how many people will be driving to see it too
No way! Thats veryyy close to where I actually live. You mentioned you where from the Netherlands right? I've been living in Spain for 8 years now and I don't see a problem with your plan at all. Camping is not illegal per se, it is more of a loophole. Basically you can't have a tent pitched and mount a base camp in the middle of the country side BUT you can do what were call here a bivouac, Basically not using a tent but a tarp, mats and sleeping bags, wich for me personally I also call camping. Some people mentioned wild fires but (from personal experience) most are man-made by locals, wich is wild in it self, and yeah also reckless tourists but as long as you respect nature you'll be fine. I will say that in some of the more country areas you'll be lucky to find someone who speaks English if you need directions or anything. I myself am very new to any of this and I love that there's gonna be an opportunity to see such an event and I would love to experience it. Feel free to ask me anything you'll like to know and I would be honored if I can shed some knowledge from here to help you in your future adventure.
Edit: I had a look in maps and the location in the picture (I don't know if it is relevant, but I'll say it anyway) is close to Burgos and I have a friend that goes there regularly-ish too so maybe I do have a chance to see it.
Sent you a dm!
200% coolest thing I’ve seen in my life. Yes
https://xkcd.com/2914/ relevant xkcd
When’s the next one?
Yes.
"Only" 10 hours for me, but I already booked a hotel and planned the trip. Last time I saw a total eclipse was in 1999
I drove 12 for the last one. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
The next one is not 60 years later, the next one is one year later, visible from Gibraltar.
So I am heavily hesitating. The probability that the eclipse is obscured by clouds when it is 8° over the horizon is, let's be honest, quite high. It can also be a last minute decision based on weather forecast.
I am planning my holiday next year to be there. Im flying from the Netherlands to Spain (or driving it with my project car hopefully)
Its a once in a lifetime experience...
Its in the middle of the summer, and i absolutely hate the heat but im not letting that stop me.
I’m from NL too. The place I’ll be heading to is 2100m high so the heat will be manageable.
Drove about half that time to see the total eclipse last year in Canada. It was the most surreal experience of my life - standing on the mountain in the day and suddenly someone threw the switch and the sun turned off for a couple of minutes. Despite everything I’d read before, I was not ready for it. Now I want to go to every total solar eclipse to relive that moment.
Yes! For the 2024 solar eclipse, I got up at 5am and drove 16 hours (round trip) to Maine. I would do it again TOMORROW if I had the chance.
Some advice: 1) Go in a vehicle and keep track of the weather. Be prepared to drive to a different location for clear skies. You won’t know your exact viewing spot until 12-24 hours before the eclipse.
2) Look at totality with your EYES, not your camera (once the moon has fully eclipsed the sun). Don’t bother taking photos! Others will do that for you, and no photo will ever capture what it really looks like. (EDIT: If you do take photos, take photos of the people you’re with and get their reactions on camera. And speaking of people…)
3) Take people with you! The only thing that rivals the eclipse itself is the reactions of the people around you. Seriously! People get very emotional, in a good way. It’s overwhelming and unforgettable. Bring your friends/family/partner or whoever. Enjoy the experience together!
Yes. I saw 4 minutes of totality and it was magical
this this will be good ;)
100% worth it. I’d drive a week to see one, no question. I’ve seen two now and they’re absolutely incredible.
I was at the American total eclipse in April a few years ago, and it is one of my most vivid memories. Honestly a life event and memory
I spent 24 hours on airplanes and waiting in airports to see the last eclipse. Flew out to Indianapolis, flew home
Absolutely worth it
Absolutely! Lifetime-experience
Yes, totally. Geddit? But seriously, yes, yes, yes.
Yes, definitely!
As long as there are no clouds forcast, yes, the most awe-inspiring event I have ever seen. It's fluid. Just unbelievable
I drove for 14 hours to see 2017 eclipse in central US. do it. if you can do it safely.
I'm trying to fly from the US to Spain just to catch the solar eclipse. So yes, it's worth it!
No! Cool, but that’s a looooonnnng drive for 20ish minutes if a really cool eclipse
My bet is you have never seen a total solar eclipse?
The sun gods are angry. Prepare the sacrifices.
You only live once. Greedily drink up every experience you can. It will or will not be worth it. Wild camp but have a plan if you get caught.
I drove 13 hours for a total solar eclipse that was less than one minute for totality and it was totally worth it. I spent a few days in the area in and around the eclipse, doing astro, touristy things etc so just make sure you set aside stuff to do outside of it which will make it worth it even if the eclipse is a fizzer (due to clouds).
This is purely an optical illusion and will affect both the sun and the moon, making both appear bigger. It does not physically alter the dimensions of either object so the sun will be eclipsed to exactly the same degree as if it were a midday sun and high in the sky. Btw, a moon or sun on the horizon is actually further away from you than it is when it is directly overhead, by approximately the distance of Earth's radius, so its apparent size is actually slightly smaller. Read up on the Ponzo illusion to find out why it looks much bigger.
Always worth it, i can still remember the full solar eclipse i saw in 99 when i was 11.
There's another one in Southern Spain in summer 2027 that will be longer and not so near the horizon... I was initially planning to drag the family to see that one but concluded it would not really be worth it and too risky to miss it.
Yes.
100%
Always! I've seen totality twice. It's always with the effort.
I want to see (and take photos of) at least one in my lifetime.
I’ve seen two now, and YES, YES, A THOUSAND TIMES YES.
Totally worth it, though personality I'd book a hotel for that night or prep to sleep in your car. You may have to drive a long way to find clear skys and end up in the dark in a place poorly suited for a wild camp.
We did USA 2024 in Texas, drove North for 4 hours to find a break in the clouds
PS thankyou for posting! I now realise its in one of my partners few uni holidays, so we're totally going!
We're doing exactly that, but converting it into a week's long 'EuroTrip' where we stop at a few places in France, Spain, France again, Italy, Switzerland and then Netherlands. We're starting from the UK. Wanna join?
That’s quite a trip for just a week. I’m based in NL myself. Maybe we can meet in Spain for a beer! I’ll be near Soria somewhere, looking to dig up some pyrite while I’m there.
Sorry, I've mistyped :) We're going for 2 weeks.
Here's the drive we're planning to do, so I guess see around Soria :)
https://postimg.cc/H8QgM5Xq
I'll DM you. We're trying to find suitable camping spots for our journey.
Ok nice!
If you have never seen a totality, I would jump at any reasonable chance you can get to. It’s an experience everyone should have, but it’s your choice if you want to make plans for this one or wait a few decades and hope you catch one closer. They are easily predictable, so you can easily research what alternatives you have.
Totality looks like a hole in the sky leading to another dimension. Craziest thing I've ever seen. Photos and videos do not do it justice.
It took me 40 years to finally see my first. It was so amazing I went to a second just a few years later. It was no less amazing the second time. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Saw the 2024 eclipse over north america, and wow....it was mesmerizing. It was truly an emotional experience.Its 200% worth any trip you can afford to go on.
Yes
ALWAYS. I’ve been fortunate enough to see 2 now. GO!
100% I saw my first as a somewhat middle aged man.
I thought I had seen one before. But no I would have remembered.
It was magical.
Thinking of flying somewhere next time to see it
Yes, do it. The sun appears larger near the horizon, but so does the moon. Might look even cooler honestly
Yes, I drove 20 hours for my eclipse . Worth it.
Strongly considering flying to Egypt for the next.
Yes. You're used to what the sun does. But this is the sun doing something you're not used to.
Last year I drove 14 hours to see my first one. More than worth it. I'm a space nerd and I had read, listened to and watched many other people's accounts of what a total eclipse is like, but there's still nothing like seeing it in person.
And the difference between a 99% coverage partial solar eclipse and a total solar eclipse is so immense that they shouldn't share any of the same words for those events.
Yes. It was a once in a lifetime event for me that I would turn into an awesome adventure w a 17 hour drive.
Make sure you’re smack dead center in totality. If you’re not, it’s probably not worth a 17 hour drive. Totality is absolutely unreal and even a 99% eclipse is nowhere near as cool.
Yes, get within 2 hours of the location the night before. Plan on major traffic immediately after totality.
the sun will be blocked out out by the moon . you will notice. lol
it's a total eclipse. you cant miss it.
I got to see totality for the first time last year. It's surreal. Hands down the most amazing natural phenomenon I've ever seen. Photos absolutely don't do it justice.
I drove all the way to Wyoming to see the total eclipse with my kids. I told them it was a once in a lifetime experience. Definitely worth it.
Yes
Short answer: yes.
A 90-something% eclipse is barely worth going outside for. Go for totality
We drove about 10 hours to see it with our kids. They are teens who appreciate very little, but we all thought it was one of the most amazing things we’ve ever done. It’s not a sight, it’s an experience. Do it.
I'm flying to Spain for the 2027 eclipse from the US. Already have reservations in Tarifa. Targeting that one because of the better angle and longer totality as well as much less possibility of clouds that time of year in the south of Spain.
A streamer I watch came from Toronto to Texas for one. Watching his reaction was totally worth it. That was at least a day of driving.
I flew across Canada, then drove for several hours chasing a clear sky last year to see totality, and it was worth every minute and dollar spent.
I'm considering going to Europe for this one as well.
Yes! One of the best times of my life. You feel like you’re on another planet.
Absolutely! It's an amazing experience. If it's ever within feasible distance of where I am, I go.
Never saw it but for sure will be there. Not yet sure the exact spot but DM a few days earlier and I will bring beers
I’ll keep that in mind!
I’ll be coming from Australia to watch it, so I hope so!
Do you know where you’re going exactly already?
Yes, booked a cruise to be off the coast of Spain!
Yes!! I've seen two total solar eclipses and it is an incredible experience.
Yes, it is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Yes.
I drove more than 20 hours to see an eclipse with about 30 seconds of totality - totally worth it. So much so that I subsequently travelled 2500km to see another (foiled by cloud cover) and would/will do it again. No distance is too great to go and see a total solar eclipse.
Yes, definitely worth the drive
Yes you will regret if you don’t
I drove for 44hours over 3.5 days to see the 2024 eclipse.
I do not regret it at all.
Yes.
I drove 8 hours, camped overnight and drove 3 more to see my second solar eclipse. I’m already planning my 2033 trip to Nome Alaska to see another.
It’s impossible to describe what it’s like. It’s definitely up there with the birth of my children as the most epic and emotionally overwhelming moments of my life.
Every total eclipse is worth it. I have seen two and it was amazing both times. 10/10 will go whenever life and geography permit.
Y E S ! ! ! If you don’t go, you’ll regret it, especially when you’re older. Promise 🫡
I've experienced alot of hyped-up shit in my life....
There's nothing like it. I've photographed two in my current life. Check my profile for some so-so pictures.
If you in any way have the time and means to experience totality, go.
Edit: Traffic was a nightmare both times in the 5 hours leading-up to the start time. Closer you approach the path of totality, worse the drivers get. It's akin to the Black Friday crowd idiots and how they drive and lollygag...
Leave early and keep cool headed....
I drove almost exactly that far for the 2024 eclipse (northern Wisconsin to Fort Worth Texas) and it was so absolutely and totally worth it. So worth it in fact we are planning to fly to Iceland or Spain for a chance at seeing this in 2026.
Partial is pointless.
Absolutely. I’d rank the total solar eclipse the most astonishing thing I’ve ever witnessed. Truly spectacular and awe inspiring.
Totality is something that has to be experienced, it's not something you can describe with words. The closest description I've been able to make is when you're watching a movie and an outdoor scene has a deep blue hue to it because they've added a filter on the camera to make it appear night time but it's obviously being filmed during the day. But that doesn't accurately describe how it feels to be in totality, just what it looks like.
I was able to experience 2017 by driving 4 hours and 2024 by driving 8 hours (and imaging it this time).
I think it's worth experiencing. i'm planning on flying 22-28 hours to australia in 2028
Having seen four total solar eclipses, if I was in your location and had the chance to see a fifth one, my answer would be “LET’S GOOOOOOOOO!!!”
Yes. The one thing that I couldn't stop thinking about after I saw totality is ratio in size/distance is just about perfect. The moon is (usually) just big enough to block the sun, but not big enough to block the corona. There are hundreds of billions of stars in the galaxy. What are the odds that any of those stars has a planet and a moon with a near perfect size/distance ratio? What are the odds that that planet is a rocky planet, with the right kind of atmosphere that someone could stand on the surface and see the sun? What are the odds that the planet with those perfect conditions for a total solar eclipse has developed intelligent life, with an ocular system capable of seeing visible light?
Out of all the theoretical planets with intelligent, human-like life out there, the opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse might be insanely rare throughout the galaxy.
Not if it's cloudy.
A total solar eclipse is the one true thing that you can't grasp the amazement of it by pictures or video. Not even close. You will not regret it.
Absolutely. I count myself extremely fortunate to have witnessed it twice. Both experiences were life-changing. Like watching your kids be born.
You will forget then inconvenience of a 17 hour drive. You will not forget the totality.
Will I be able to see this from Southern Minnesota?
Totally! I saw one few years ago and it was amazing. Nothing like it. And seeing a total eclipse is a totally different experience than seing a partial eclipse . Aftee seeing a total eclipse, seing a partial eclipse feels like seing a pigeon.
as someone who traveled to see a total solar eclipse- yes. it’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else.
Yes my drive was only 6 hours but well worth it!
If only there was someone with a solar eclipse-centric YouTube channel who's travelled for eclipses and could chime in here. Oh wait, that would be me!
TL;DR: No one has ever seen a total solar eclipse and said "meh, that was fine really wish I stayed home though", because totality is easily one of the most amazing things you'll ever see.
https://youtube.com/@EclipseEncounters?si=ZZkvwxd1TlO9Zv57
Yep
For whatever reason 2017 in Wyoming looked cooler than the 2024 in Arkansas to me. 2017 was a lot more blue and movement in the sky.
I've seen two in the last 7 years and probably won't see another in the USA until 2045. Definitely go see it, make it a couple day excursion and do something fun in the area. You won't regret it!!
Drove 3 hours to see it in ‘17 and then 10 hours to see it again in’24.
Yes. It’s amazing to witness. Do the roadtrip
Yes. Get a hotel. Make some other plans around the eclipse. Come up with 3 destinations to watch the eclipse from in case of clouds
Yes!
Totality is awesome and worth it, but the chances of clear skies in that part of Spain in August are not so great.
Yes. I’m going as well. Thinking of going by plane though. Not sure if that is doable from Amsterdam.
I did it. I planned for 6 years. Ended up on a beach with thousands of other viewers. The day after, the beach was mostly empty.
Yes. I drove that long for the one in the US in 2017.
If you've never seen a total solar eclipse before, then it's quite worth it. Go! It's cool!
1000% worth it. May be a once in a lifetime experience. I’ve seen totality and it’s one of the most surreal things I’ve ever experienced.
Yes
Absolutely, totality is an experience you will never forget it’s really indescribable in words but you won’t regret I’ve driven 3 hours for one and 7 hours for another and the next one I think i will realistically get to see will be like a 20 hour drive and I will definitely be doing that.
If you are planning to be in the line of totality, then YES %1000 . My daughter & I drove 8hrs one way to see totality & clear skies.
It was the most amazing thing we have ever seen.!!!!!
Yes! Ohio in 2024 or whenever it was. Coolest experience. Try and experience it with someone else - makes it even better.
I live in central Ohio so we got lucky with the last one!
I would say it is absolutely 100% worth it even with a drive like that. If you’re a nerd on this sub then I believe you may very well find it perspective altering. I can still feel the drop in temp. The feeling of taking off the glasses and just looking up in awe…
Boi when I say my life changed after seeing one at 100% I wouldn’t be lying!
Yes, absolutely. I wasn’t prepared for the things I felt. I thought I knew what it would feel like.
I’ll tell you one thing: I can only imagine what ancient civilizations thought when seeing it without science to explain it.
It definitely is something to watch ! I think the trip is worth it. By the way, my father has a farm over that area and wanting sell the experience kind of an all inclusive, if anyone is interested dm me ;) Anyway you could also visit the North of Spain ( Galicia, Asturias ) it’s my favourite region. It is wonderful
Yes
I totally want to go as well, I live in France not that far but idk if I will, if you have a chance you should go
Yes. I saw it in Ohio last year. Brought my telescope with solar filter. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.
The rainbow arcs twisted by magnetic fields shimmering. It haunts my dreams.
We had two in North America recently. Both were such awe-inspiring events, I was too stunned for words. We even camped for the first one. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Uk watcher here, I flew to Atlanta from 🇬🇧and in 2024 took a road trip to Mexican border to see it and back to Atlanta, around 10,000 mile’s driving and flying etc And another trip back in 2017 same sort of trip to the middle of Kentucky. Is it worth you ask, absolutely 💯
Yes! However,you may get addicted to Solar eclipse chasing....
Absolutely. I didn't drive 4 hours to the last north American total eclipse and I severely regret it
Yes.
It's absolutely worth it. We had one last spring here in the US. I was lucky to be in the path of totality without driving, and it is a surreal experience. If you have the means to witness this, I encourage you to take advantage.
I’m planning to fly 6000 miles to see it, my 4th total eclipse. The Sun is no bigger or smaller at sunset than at noon. The main issue with the eclipse being late in the day is that afternoon clouds low on the horizon could obscure it. If it’s clear, being low makes it easier to watch. I’m planning to take that risk. It’s the single most profound natural phenomenon there is.
A real 100% total eclipse is a completely different experience from a 99% eclipse.
A 99% eclipse will just feel like very, very dim dusk or dawn. And you can't look at the moon and sun without protective glasses, even the tiny sliver of sun still visible will be damaging to your eyes. Shadows will look interesting as the light from the sun becomes more of a point source, making shadows very sharp. But overall it's kinda a "meh" experience, it's cool but nothing too crazy really.
A 100% eclipse will literally feel like night. Animals get quiet suddenly. You may even feel a sudden slight temperature drop and changing winds. And you can look at the moon with your bare eyes and see the sun's corona, which is an absolutely amazing thing to see. It's one of the greatest natural phenomena one can experience in my opinion.
Heck yeah, I'm even planning a flight to Spain to see the eclipse.
It's important you choose a place with no mountains on the west (the sun will be very low respect to horizon at eclipse moment) and check weather conditions.
I will be in the Valencia area
In 1998 I traveled all night long from Caracas to Maracaibo and saw a total Eclipse. Unforgettable experience. Never seen something similar in terms of Nature. Fascinating. I can still remember the lights around the sun (other stars? Mercury?) That was beautiful.
I was able to see totality here in ohio a couple years ago right outside my house. Its amazing. Its something thats hard to describe. But if/when you do. Take it in. Look around you. The shadows. The sky. The trees. Its so mesmerizing.
Id always tell someone, if you have an opportunity, take it.
I had to drive two hours to see it in 2024, and it was ABSOLUTELY worth it. A once-in-a-lifetime thing that I will never forget. Took my scope with my solar filter which just increased the experience. I would drive 17 hours to see another one, no question.
I once travelled 3days with the train. 17h is a freebie, basicly.
I drove up to VT from MA last April for the last solar eclipse and it was awesome. Highly recommend trying to see it. Make it a trip, spend a few days out there
Book a flight. It's worth a flight.
i saw 1 total eclipse, 1,000,000 better than partial. if i had the money, i would travel anywhere in the world to see another one
This is Europe - nobody drives 17 hours. much better to fly via Bilbao/Madrid. Or take the train/public transport.
The only reason I'm not going traveling from the US is I don't know Spanish and the Spanish hate tourists. I imagine they are going to go overdrive on that with the eclipse.
I don’t know Spanish either and millions of people travel to Spain every year. You’ll be fine if you do. But if you’re willing to fly for this, I should be more than justified to drive across the continent :). Besides, I’ll be heading to the countryside, I don’t expect many people to be around.
No way, man! A foreigner can be just as disliked here as I am there in your country. No country likes a drunk foreigner behaving like a jerk. But... the astrophotography community is very healthy globally. The best viewing area is a bit further south (northern Spain generally has more clouds year-round; the more central area is clearer and flatter, without so many mountains, and the eclipse will be very low in the sky). The Soria and Zaragoza areas... but for some months now it's been difficult to find accommodation in rural areas; there are already tons of bookings. I have a photographer friend and other acquaintances who organize groups for bird photography... and some visual eclipse photography and night photography, or just astrophotography... Don't let language hold you back; most of my friends who are photographers already have places set up and speak English.
I was planning to go near Soria. Are you saying that’s a good spot or better to go south?
Soria is quite flat, and is usually clear all year round, and is a fairly dry area with little rain.
You along other several hundreds of thousands of people camping in illegal areas disrupting wildlife and the environment with total disregard for local regulations.
No wonder why another user pointed we Spanish people don't like tourists...
Am I disrupting anything if I sleep in a little tent and leave nothing behind? I don’t think so. The land and earth is everyone’s, in my view, as it has been for all the millions of years for our ancestors. Not something that should be regulated. You might disagree and that’s fine.
Spain has a major problem with wildfires and it's practically difficult to issue certificates to experienced campers, so their law makes sense.
It’s a no for me dawg