SEATTLE — Thanks to the wonders of technology, you can join (virtually at least) the passengers of two of Holland America Line’s ships, Koningsdam and Zaandam, to be among the first to see totality in today’s solar eclipse, weather permitting.
The two ships are positioned off the coast of Mexico for an ideal viewing of today’s eclipse, says the cruise line.
As Holland America notes, the solar eclipse will cross North America, beginning over the Pacific Ocean and heading northeast from Mexico, across a wide swath of the U.S. and into Canada. The first location that will experience totality is off Mexico’s Pacific Coast, around 11 a.m. PST.
A livestream of the event aboard Koningsdam will begin at approximately 10:20 a.m. PST at the following link: https://fb.me/e/1ZJA7i7t9
Dr. Adam Burgesses, a professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, observational astrophysicist, and science lecturer is aboard Koningsdam’s eclipse cruise. He joins Zaandam Captain Ane Smit.
“Our guests will be some of the first to see the eclipse in totality and everyone aboard Zaandam will be working to make that experience extremely special for them—including everyone on the bridge. Our plan is to put ourselves in the path of the eclipse before it starts and be right on the center path when it’s at full totality. We’ll most likely be maintaining a low speed, keeping the sun straight ahead or astern to ensure the best view,” said Captain Smit.
Dr. Burgasser added: “This first total solar eclipse in North America in seven years is something people around the world — including astronomers — are excited to observe, and there’s no better place to see the eclipse than at sea. Not only will the sun be blocked for over 4 minutes, turning day into night, the entire environment will change — the air will cool, plants and animals will react, and the world around us will take on a cosmic stillness. Moreover, at sea we’ll be able to view the eclipse from horizon to horizon, discerning the edge of the sun’s shadow that will appear as a 360-degree twilight.”
To join the livestream, starting at 10:20 a.m. PST click here: https://fb.me/e/1ZJA7i7t9
