see the 2021 solar eclipse in antarctica

On December 4, 2021, a total Solar Eclipse will occur in the Scotia Sea around the South Orkney Islands, near the Antarctic Peninsula. This phenomenon won’t occur here again for another 400-or-so years. So, if you’d like to seize this rare chance to observe the eclipse, what better way to do that than by joining a Hurtigruten expedition cruise to Antarctica during the total Solar Eclipse? It’s an opportunity that arises only once in several lifetimes, and by traveling with our preferred travel partner, Hurtigruten, you’ll be certain to have an exceptional experience.

What Will Happen?

A Total Solar Eclipse is when the moon covers the sun completely for a few minutes. Day suddenly becomes almost as dark as night and the temperature drops noticeably. Birds flying near the ship may also fall eerily silent as if holding their breaths while the moment passes. 

Early morning in the South Orkney Islands during its summer season means the sun will be hanging low on the horizon, having barely set during the night. Provided skies are clear, you will be able to observe the eclipse from beginning to end, lasting just under two minutes. There are a number of features to look out for when studying a total Solar Eclipse by eye, including the red rim, or chromosphere, while the sun is covered, as well as the coronal flare at the top of the sun. 

Where Will It Happen?

For 2021, the total Solar Eclipse will only be observable around Antarctica. Hurtigruten plans to experience it in the Scotia Sea near the South Orkney Islands, a group of four islands about 600 km (just over 370 miles) northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula. 

After observing the Solar Eclipse, Hurtigruten aims to explore the South Orkney Islands themselves. 85% of the islands’ surface is made up of glaciers, which makes them the perfect habitat for various species of penguins and seals. Your expedition ship will attempt to navigate a route through the area’s icebergs, sea ice, and occasional mist, allowing you to participate in landings ashore and other activities.

How Best to Experience the Eclipse?

The decks of expedition ships MS Fram or MS Roald Amundsen, which are positioned in the waters near the South Orkney Islands, are the ideal place for front-row seats to the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse. 

As part of your cruise, the Expedition Team will give out special-purpose solar filter sunglasses designed specifically to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays. A professional astronomer will also be part of the Expedition Team for the full duration of the cruise, delivering a series of in-depth lectures on this extraordinary occurrence and providing insights during the eclipse itself. 

In addition, you’ll receive tips and ideas from professional onboard photographers on how to capture the spectacular event. They will also be sure to shoot the Solar Eclipse from more than one angle and even film with drones if conditions allow. Later on, you’ll be able to access their footage and share it with your friends and family back home.

This eclipse will also be a little unusual as the path of the total eclipse will move from east to west, which is the opposite direction to most other eclipses and a feature unique to observing it in the polar regions.

Should weather prevent you from observing the eclipse directly, you will still be able to experience a distinct moment of darkness for the duration of the eclipse. It will seem as if the whole world has stood still in reverence of this phenomenon. These are moments that you’ll never forget. 

Ready to go?

Well, we’re ready to send you there! Since Hurtigruten is one of our preferred travel partners, we’ve got all of the details about this extraordinary opportunity, and we’re ready, willing and able to get you onboard one of these ships while you can still book your stateroom of choice. Just drop us a line!