This will not be an eclipse viewing for the masses, but a unique experience for a lucky few.
Explorers Tours earlier this week has announced a spectacular set of itineraries for the 2010 eclipse in Tahiti. Located in the middle of the south Pacific 3,000 miles from the nearest major land-mass, those lucky enough to book the expedition will observe over 3 ½ minutes of darkness from a tiny atoll which is home to just 1,500 inhabitants.
The 2010 eclipse is remarkable due to the unique nature of the very few available observation points. From where the moon’s shadow first touches the earth’s surface in the South Pacific Ocean, some 1,000 miles north east of New Zealand, to where it ends in Patagonia, the path of totality only makes landfall in three places; the Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island. All are exceptionally remote and very small islands – journey times are long, transport links are limited and infrastructure on the ground is basic. This will not be an eclipse viewing for the masses, but a unique experience for a lucky few.
The expedition will be led by eminent astronomer Dr John Mason MBE. The total solar eclipse will be being observed from the tiny atoll of Hao in the Tuamotu Islands some 500 miles from Tahiti. Hao is 500 miles from the nearest international airport and 3,000 miles from the nearest major land-mass. Guests will be spending two nights on this tiny atoll.
Three itineraries are available follows:
o Standard 10 day itinerary taking in Tahiti and the Tuamotu Islands – 10 day tour, 7-16 July, £3,999
o Tahiti and Easter Island – taking in Tahiti, the eclipse and a three day tour of Easter Island, before a day exploring Santiago, Chile. 15 day tour, 5-20 July £4,999
o Tahiti, The Tuamotus and California – observe the eclipse in Tahiti before enjoying a classic road-trip from LA to San Francisco – 15 day tour, 7-22 July, £4,999.
www.explorerseclipse.co.uk
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