https://www.sciencealert.com/here-s-what-to-expect-from-this-week-s-eclipse-from-an-astrophysicist-who-chases-them
A 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse Is Coming Tomorrow, So Here's What to Expect
RYAN MILLIGAN, THE CONVERSATION
9 JUNE 2021
In December 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, I made the somewhat questionable decision to fly 11,200 km () from where I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland to Santiago, Chile. Then, I boarded a connecting two-hour flight and drove for a further two hours, just to experience two minutes and 20 seconds of darkness.
I followed the guidelines of both the UK and Chilean governments. I got COVID-compliant travel insurance; I took a PCR test 72 hours before arriving in Chile; I wore a mask for the 15-hour flight and had my temperature taken in every building I entered. I also risked getting stranded on the other side of the world the week before Christmas, as the UK was considering banning domestic flights from England to Northern Ireland.
You might wonder why I'd go through all of this. The answer? To witness the most spectacular sight in nature: a total solar eclipse. Despite my endeavor, the Chilean weather thwarted my efforts and cloud coverage denied me a glimpse of the Sun's ethereal pearly atmosphere.
This was my tenth solar eclipse trip, having previously traveled to witness eight total eclipses (one of which I missed because of clouds) and one annular eclipse. This week, there's no travelling necessary – an eclipse will be visible from where I live. But I'm not expecting this one to be dramatic, and you shouldn't either.
Seeing a solar eclipse is a rare experience and one that drives eclipse chasers like me. Witnessing day turn to night, feeling the temperature plummet, watching birds go to roost, perhaps seeing mysterious shadow bands, feeling your hairs stand on end and the adrenaline pump through your veins for those precious few minutes is always, always worth it.