Talk to an Expedition Specialist
1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)
An expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands is an exhilarating adventure of a lifetime. See massive icebergs in Antarctica, the wildlife spectacle of South Georgia’s colonies of hundreds of thousands of king penguins, and the vast albatross breeding grounds of the Falklands. Add to that the chance of seeing a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon—a total solar eclipse.
24 Days | Departing Nov. 17 & 18, 2021
Our three polar expedition ships aim to be positioned in the path of totality during the next total solar eclipse on December 4, 2021. While we will be in the right spot to witness the eclipse, which will last two minutes, the most important factor in viewing an eclipse is weather. Although clear skies are often experienced here, overcast days are just as common. The ships’ crews will utilize their state-of-the-art technology aboard to find the best possible viewing area, hoping to find an unobscured view of the sun, but nothing can be guaranteed. And, of course, our naturalist team and guest speakers will provide insight and background on eclipses and other astronomical features one might encounter in the Southern Ocean and Southern Hemisphere.
— Ralph Lee Hopkins, Director of Expedition Photography
Get aboard with everything you’ll need—before your expedition we’ll share info about special photography equipment you’ll need if you want to create an image of the eclipse, like solar filters. And thanks to our special relationship with B&H Photo/Video, you’ll be able to get the necessary gear in time and with special savings. While aboard, your National Geographic photographer and certified photo instructor will prepare you for the special challenges of shooting an eclipse from a ship, where tripods and long exposures don’t work since you’ll be situated on a moving platform.
Learn about the basics of solar eclipses so that you can understand what you may hopefully experience. Go deep on the science with the help of a special guest expert.
Can’t wait to start learning about how to create a once-in-a-lifetime image of a total solar eclipse over the Southern Ocean? Take a look at this extensive article by our friends at B&H Photo/Video.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth partially or totally obscuring the Sun and casting a shadow over part of Earth.
Why is this solar eclipse a special event?
It is a total solar eclipse, which is when the Moon completely blocks out the Sun, and only occurs when the Moon is at the point of its orbit closest to Earth, and when the Earth is at a point in its orbit that is the farthest from the sun. To see it, you must be in the path of totality, where the moon casts its darkest shadow, known as the umbra.
Do you need protective eyewear?
Yes! The only way to safely view a solar eclipse is through special glasses, which we will have aboard for all.
Is it possible to photograph a solar eclipse?
With the aid of some special equipment like solar filters, it is indeed possible to create an image of a solar eclipse. We’ll have a National Geographic photographer and a photo instructor aboard to help. Learn more at B&H Photo Video.
Important note: While we will do our best to arrange for viewing the solar eclipse, we cannot guarantee that there will be no cloud cover, that the ship will be in the planned position, or that there will not be another reason beyond our control that prevents viewing. Therefore, we will not be liable or responsible for any loss, damage, cost, or expense of any kind in the event that such viewing is not possible for any reason including but not limited to any act of God, war, fire, collision, directions of underwriters, arrest, order or restraint by any government agency or official acting under color of authority, acts of terrorism, labor disturbances or disputes, civil commotion, weather and sea conditions, breakdowns of or damage to the transport vehicle, requisition of the vehicle by governmental authority, illness, death of a family member or other cause or circumstance beyond our control.