In a remote corner of Western Australia, a small town has been inundated with visitors from all over the world eager to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events – a total solar eclipse. From seasoned eclipse chasers to curious first-timers, people have gathered in the town of Exmouth to witness the wonders of the universe and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of a celestial phenomenon that only occurs once every few years. As the countdown to the eclipse begins, the excitement in the air is palpable as everyone prepares to witness a truly awe-inspiring display of cosmic power.
The small town of Exmouth in Western Australia has become a hub for eclipse chasers from around the world as they prepare to witness a rare hybrid eclipse. The event will last for approximately three hours with the Earth, moon and sun aligning perfectly at 11:29 am local time on Thursday. For around a minute, the moon will cover the sun’s disc producing a shimmering corona and making stars and planets visible. The Solar Wind Sherpas, a team of international scientific adventurers, will be among the throngs of people congregating in specialised viewing areas around Exmouth. Head sherpa Shadia Habbal explains that the team will study the sun’s corona and its “fast bursts of energy” in its active regions, gathering critical data not possible from spacecraft in orbit. By studying these phenomena, the Solar Wind Sherpas are determining how space weather can impact Earth by disrupting power and GPS systems. The sherpas will be installing cameras and spectrometers, as well as using special filters that show up the corona in different colours correlating to how hot they are. Uniquely, this year, they will also fly a kite fitted with a spectrometer above low-level clouds, 1,000 metres high.
The fusion of astronomy and travel attracts many eclipse chasers, with some individuals collecting dozens of experiences of this celestial event. According to an online eclipse chaser log, American Paul Maley has visited 81 eclipses, while the top Australian eclipses chaser, Terry Cuttle, has witnessed around thirty to date. Cuttle notes that viewing an eclipse provides an opportunity for people to experience the universe in motion, with the chance to see the solar system in action. The total solar eclipse is also one of the few phenomena that can elicit a collective response from the animal kingdom. A 2020 study of 17 species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles found that 75% of creatures studied were affected by the total solar eclipse. Some began their evening routines prematurely, while others showed heightened anxiety. According to Kate Russo, a psychologist and eclipse community planner, chasing the path of totality becomes a “way of life” and a “total addiction”. Australia has a raft of total solar eclipses lined up; five over the next 15 years, including one in Sydney in 2028.
Eclipse chasing causes a significant influx of visitors to rural areas, and Exmouth is no exception. The town had to create an overflow campsite, upgrade telecommunication infrastructure, and invest millions in improved beach facilities and traffic management systems. However, the president of the Astronomical Society of Australia, Professor John Lattanzio, notes that witnessing the awe-inspiring effects of a total solar eclipse can inspire many to explore the wonders of the universe. With the pursuit of science and the thrill-seeking of adventure combining on this occasion, the eclipse chasers descending on Western Australia’s coast are sure to witness an unforgettable celestial event.
