Last week, the Moon blotted out most of the Sun across the Pacific Ocean in an annular ‘ring of fire’ eclipse. But as impressive as it was, nothing on Earth beats a total solar eclipse for excitement and sheer spectacle, writes the sci-fi author and stargazer, Omara Williams

For both amateur stargazers and seasoned astronomers, few events are as breathtaking as a total solar eclipse. I still remember my first experience with a partial solar eclipse as a student. It sparked my curiosity and led me to explore the wonders of astronomy further. But nothing prepared me for witnessing a total solar eclipse—it was life-changing and ignited my passion for travel and the cosmos.

For the uninitiated, a total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun’s light. This incredible alignment usually happens during a new moon, but it’s a rare spectacle. The alignment must be just right, and sometimes the Moon’s shadow misses the Earth altogether, often landing over oceans or remote areas.

During a total solar eclipse, the daytime sky darkens dramatically, the temperature drops and the landscape transforms. Birds hurriedly return to their nests, and you can feel the excitement in the air. Experiencing this event is like watching nature put on a magical show, with phenomena such as ‘shadow bands’—wavy lines of light and dark that dance on the ground or walls just before and after totality, created by sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere—, “diamond rings”- bright flashes of light as the Moon blocks and unblocks the sunlight- and ‘Baily’s beads’—bright spots of light that appear along the edge of the Moon during totality, caused by sunlight shining through the Moon’s valleys and craters—adding to the spectacle.

And then comes the greatest spectacle of them all – the majestic corona, a stunning feature of the Sun that we can’t normally see but which reveals itself during those brief moments of totality. This is the Sun’s upper atmosphere, made up of ionized gas, appearing as glowing white streamers that form a shimmering halo around the eclipsed Sun. The corona’s size and shape change with the Sun’s activity, making each solar eclipse unique.

As the corona radiates in the darkened sky, stars and planets come into view. At the same time, Earthshine—reflected light from Earth—gently illuminates the edges of the Moon, adding a final touch of magic to the scene.

If you want to witness this cosmic wonder, careful planning is essential. It will be another 66 years before the next total solar eclipse happens in the UK, which will be on September 23, 2090. However, there are many locations around the world where you can see total solar eclipses in the meantime. To help you plan your viewing experience, here are the upcoming solar eclipses you won’t want to miss in the next 10 years:

When: August 12, 2026

Where to Watch: Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain.

Why Go: This eclipse will cross over stunning landscapes, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.

When: August 2, 2027

Where to Watch: Gibraltar, North Africa, and Saudi Arabia.

Why Go: You’ll have the chance to see this eclipse in historically rich locations, with clear skies expected in some regions.

When: July 22, 2028

Where to Watch: Indian Ocean, Australia, and New Zealand.

Why Go: Australia is famous for its outdoor adventures, and watching the eclipse will be an incredible addition to your travel itinerary.

When: November 25, 2030

Where to Watch: South Africa, the Indian Ocean, and Australia.

Why Go: Experience diverse cultures and breathtaking scenery while enjoying the eclipse.

When: November 14, 2031

Where to Watch: Central America and the Pacific Ocean.

Why Go: This eclipse provides a fantastic opportunity to explore Central America’s natural beauty and history.

When: March 30, 2033

Where to Watch: Alaska and the Bering Sea.

Why Go: Experience the unique landscapes of Alaska, with the added thrill of a solar eclipse.

When: March 20, 2034

Where to Watch: Central Africa and Southern Asia.

Why Go: Witness the eclipse in some of the most vibrant regions of the world.

Tips for Watching a Total Solar Eclipse

1. Choose Your Location Wisely: Research the best spots for visibility and check historical weather patterns to improve your chances of clear skies.
   
2. Prepare for the Day: Check the local weather forecast, traffic updates, and your viewing equipment well in advance. Don’t forget solar filters for your eyes!
   
3. Stay Flexible: Even with the best planning, Mother Nature can be unpredictable. But if clouds threaten to ruin your experience, don’t lose hope!

There’s nothing quite like the experience of watching a total solar eclipse. It connects you to the universe in a profound way. As I prepare for the next eclipse in August 2026, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder about the upcoming celestial events. Make plans now to witness one of nature’s most incredible shows—you won’t regret it.

Omara Williams is a nuclear and software engineer whose multi-award-winning debut science-fiction novel, The Space Traveller’s Lover, shot to international bestseller status. Outside of her literary pursuits, she enjoys stargazing and chasing total solar eclipses.

Images: Supplied/The Double Agents