IT MAY be three years' away but skywatchers already making travel plans to see the solar eclipse in 2021, with the Antarctic THE place to be for the best view.
The eclipse will occur on December 4, making landfall on Antarctica directly south of South America.
Eclipse Travel has an exclusive 20-day voyage departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, on November 23 aboard the Akademik Ioffe, a purpose-built scientific research ship that carries less than 100 passengers.
It is regarded as the most stable ship in polar waters - perfect for eclipse observation in the open waters east of the South Orkney Islands.
Before the eclipse, the itinerary will explore the Falkland Islands and the remote island of South Georgia, both home to a proliferation of wildlife and birdlife. Passengers can expect to see penguin rookeries with more than 100,000 nesting birds and beaches covered in fur seals and elephant seals.
The path of totality for the eclipse lies near the South Orkney Islands, where the vessel will be carefully positioned to provide the maximum possible exposure for viewing from large observation decks.
Throughout the journey there will be shore excursions accompanied by naturalists, marine biologists, ornithologists and a resident photographer.
Twin cabins start from US$19,195 per person and suites from US$25,095 per person.
1300-575-752, www.eclipsetravel.com.au
