Understanding the Passion of the Eclipse Chaser

Abstract

For hundreds of years people have been travelling to undertake scientific observations and experiments during celestial events such as eclipses. Scientific expeditions were funded in order to undertake important research during total solar eclipses, which often took years of planning, preparation and travel. The results of these observations and experiments were proudly reported upon return in national papers and journals. Each eclipse was an opportunity for science to progress, and focus was placed upon the scientific elements of totality.