The Gabon & Morocco group is ecstatic to view the November 3, 2013, total solar eclipse in Gabon. This image was taken during the November 14, 2012, eclipse. // photo by Mike Reynolds
While my half of the Gabon & Morocco group has remained in Libreville since we arrived yesterday, the other half had arrived a few days earlier and went on a safari in Lope National Park. They rejoined us at the hotel today, just before my lecture in preparation for the total eclipse.
Out of the 30 people I’m traveling with, only four of us have never seen a total eclipse. I’ve heard from many of those that I’ve spoken to that this trip is for the true eclipse chaser. (There are people on this tour that have seen 15 total eclipses!)
Tomorrow is eclipse day!
Our observing site is a bit off the grid. We’re hoping that everything goes well during the commute and at the site — that the buses remain functional, traffic isn't too bad, and the bugs don’t eat us alive. But really, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for one thing: clear skies.
I’ll try to post feedback as soon as I can about the eclipse. The following morning (as in, 1:00 a.m.), we’ll head back to the airport to catch our plane to Morocco. This is quite the adventure!
You can read more posts about this exciting tour on the blog.