The August 21st eclipse marked the first time since 1918 that a total solar eclipse traveled across the United States. Millions of Americans journeyed to the regions where totality was visible, some arriving days in advance and camping out to secure the prime viewing site. Many of those who stayed in hotels booked their rooms a year or more in advance, and many eclipse chasers braved extremely heavy traffic to reach their destinations.
If you were unable to witness this incredible sight, or if you experienced the eclipse and can’t wait to see more, you are in luck. Here are some of the upcoming total solar eclipses, and where you will be able to see them.
July 2, 2019: South Pacific, Central Argentina, and Chile
The next total solar eclipse will take place on July 2, 2019, and is predicted to last a maximum of 4 minutes and 32 seconds. It will pass over the South Pacific, and will be visible in the Pitcairn Islands, central Argentina and Chile. You will be able to see it in the cites of La Serena, Chile, and in the Argentine cities of Buenos Aires and San Juan.
If you are feeling especially adventurous, you can voyage to the Pitcairn Islands in the South Pacific for a truly extraordinary eclipse viewing experience. One way to get there is to book a place on the South Pacific Cruise to Totality, arranged by Travel Quest International. This one of a kind adventure includes a stop on the Pitcairn Islands, where you will be able to view the eclipse at sea.
Dec 14, 2020: South Pacific, Southern Chile and Argentina
This eclipse will follow a similar path as the one in July 2019, passing over the South Pacific, Southern Chile and Argentina. Totality is predicted to last for about two minutes, and will be best viewed in Temuco, Chile and Valcheta, Argentina. If you are interested in going with a tour group, an option is the Patagonia Solar Eclipse. This trip boasts a tour of the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, a special eclipse viewing site, a visit to Puerto Varas, and an optional extension to the Torres del Paine National Park.
April 8, 2024: Mexico, United States and Canada
This is the next total solar eclipse that will pass over North America, including parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Totality will last for a maximum of 4 minutes and 28 seconds in Nazas, Durango, Mexico. However, totality will be observable in many parts of the United States, including Texas, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Upstate New York and Maine. Parts of Canada will also see totality, such as Southern Ontario, Southern Quebec, and western Prince Edward Island.
This may well be your last chance to see a total solar eclipse pass the United States until 2044. While there will be another eclipse in March 2033, it will only be visible from Nome and Barrow, Alaska and the Chukchi Peninsula.
August 12, 2026: Iceland and Spain
This eclipse will be visible from the Northeast Greenland National Park and Reykjavík , Iceland. Given that the majority of Iceland’s population lives in the city and suburbs of Reykjavík, it will probably be best to travel slightly outside of the city for the best viewing experience. For a truly remarkable sight, head over to the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and relax in the hot springs while you await totality.
If you prefer Spain to Iceland, you are in luck, since the eclipse will also make landfall in A Coruña, León, Valladolid, Guadalajara, Zaragoza and Palma.
August 20, 2027: Gibraltar, North Africa, Saudi Arabia and Yemen
This total solar eclipse is notable for its length, as it is predicted to last for a full 6 minutes and 23 seconds over Luxor, Egypt. Luxor is filled with amazing ancient temples, monuments and tombs, as well as a wide variety of museums. It is a major tourist destination, however, and is likely to be overwhelmingly crowded during the eclipse. Reservations should be made several years or more in advance if you are determined to experience the eclipse in Luxor.
Aside from Egypt, you have many other options for viewing, including Gibraltar, much of the northern coast of Africa, including Morocco, and parts of Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Eclipse chasers will have multiple opportunities to view total solar eclipses in the coming years. The next total eclipse to cross the United States will be in 2024, but there is no need to wait that long if you are willing to travel a little farther.
While some of the places are definitely off the beaten path, this is a perfect opportunity to combine your love of eclipse chasing and travel to lesser known places.