Total Solar Eclipse 2012 travel information

After 2010, the next total solar eclipse will be on the 13th November 2012. The point of greatest eclipse will be in an area of the South Pacific in which there is no discernable land mass close to the centre line. I will investigate further but my initial reaction is that the easiest place to view this eclipse will be in the Cairns/Port Douglas area of Queensland, Australia.

Eclipse path

NASA has provided an interactive Google Map showing the 2012 eclipse path.

Current eclipse plans

We are currently planning to view the eclipse from the Cairns/Port Douglas area. Specifics of the viewing location/accomodation have to be finalised. It is likely that we will also take a tour of Australia and/or New Zealand at the same time.

Eclipse tour operators

Currently, I do not know of any tour operator who has published indicitave schedules for the 2012 eclipse. Given that Australia is an advanced first-world country with infrastructure to support a tourist industry, I do not believe that a tour operator will be necessary for this tour. However, I do expect accomodation to be booked out many years in advance and it may be necessary to book accomodation through a travel agency or tour operator.

Tour operators wishing to do so may submit their current plans to me if they wish to have them republished here on the condition that you keep me informed of any changes/updates.

Travel advice

2012 Eclipse in the news

On-line resources

General eclipse information

• NASAs Solar Eclipse Page - includes information on eclipses past and present.
• Mr Eclipse - comprehensive source of eclipse information
• Jay Anderson - useful page with weather and climate information for solar eclipse vantage points
• Eclipse-Chasers.com - useful site with useful information and lore about eclipses
• IAU eclipse resources - very useful set of resources on total solar eclipses
• Dan McGlaun - excellent resources on eclipses from 1986 and into future
• Ecliptomaniacs - Irish Eclipse Chasers - journals from Irish eclipse chasers dating back to 1999
• Total Solar eclipses - Solar eclipse maps from Ole's astronomy site

Eclipse safety

Permanent eye damage can result from incorrect viewing of an eclipse. You must take precautions. Practice safe sun.

• Eclipse safety by MrEclipse.com - Practical useful information on how view eclipses safely
• Eye Safety during eclipses - information from NASA

Bookmark this page

[ Delicious ] [ Digg ] [ reddit ] [ Facebook ] [ StumbleUpon ]