46 ASTRONOMY • DECEMBER 2021
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greatest eclipse, the Sun’s right
ascension will be 16h43m32s and
its declination will be –22°16'29".
During the eclipse, the planet
nearest to the Sun will be Mercury.
The innermost planet, shining at mag-
nitude –1.1, will lie 3° east-southeast of
our daytime star. Sharp-eyed observers
may spot it just outside the solar corona
without optical aid. If you use binocu-
lars during totality, they’ll guarantee
that you’ll see Mercury. (Remember
to use filters on your binoculars at any
time other than totality.)
Venus, normally easy to spot during
totality of any solar eclipse, may be
invisible from its location 40° east of the
Sun. That’s because the Sun’s maximum
altitude during the eclipse is only 17°.
The shadow’s journey
The South Orkney Islands, which lie
in the Southern Ocean some 375 miles
(600 km) northeast of the Antarctic
Peninsula, are where the Moon’s umbra
first touches land. This small group is
claimed by both Argentina and Great
Britain but administered under the
Antarctic Treaty System.
The western limit of the umbral path
cuts through Coronation Island, the larg-
est of the group, creating a partial eclipse
for the western one-third of that small
landmass. Laurie Island, which lies far-
thest east, fares better. The duration
of totality on its western edge will be
57 seconds and will increase to 1 minute
7 seconds at its eastern coastline.
From there, the path treks southward
more than 750 miles (1,200 km) to the
northern coast of Antarctica. Just 44 miles
(70 km) before it gets there, maximum
eclipse occurs. Satellite and climate data
show prospects for seeing the event
improve the closer one gets to Antarctica,
as December cloud cover is predicted at
nearly 100 percent over the ocean path.
By far the best weather will be for
those who can position themselves on
the ice cap itself. Unfortunately, there is
only one seasonal viewing site for
explorers to use. Operated by Antarctic
Logistics & Expeditions, this site is at
Union Glacier, about 15 miles (25 km)
inside the zone of totality. At the camp,
the eclipsed Sun will be about 14° high
and totality will last only 47 seconds,
but weather prospects are better there
than at any other easily approachable
site along the path.
The eclipse comes during what
should be nighttime hours at Union
Glacier. But less than three weeks from
the December solstice at the camp’s lati-
tude of 79° South, daylight stretches
24 hours. Be careful to set up where the
mountains surrounding your campsite
won’t block your view.
Cruising to Antarctica
Getting to the southernmost con-
tinent can provide as much drama
as the eclipse itself. Fortunately, the
best months to travel to Antarctica
are from November to March — the
milder summer months in the Southern
Hemisphere. Eclipse watchers head-
ing there in early December will still
see huge icebergs and pristine glaciers.
Conditions are also optimal for viewing
penguins, whales, and seals.
Most travelers start in Buenos Aires.
From there, Aerolíneas Argentinas f lies
to Ushuaia, an Argentinian settlement
on South America’s southern tip, where
most cruises depart. Travelers could
arrive a day or two before their ship sails
to stay at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
TOTAL SOLAR
ECLIPSE OF
DEC. 4, 2021
ANTARCTICA
ABOVE: Antarctica is a stunningly beautiful
destination that should absolutely be on your bucket
list. What better time to visit this remote region than
during a total solar eclipse? LANDON NOLL
RIGHT: Several bright stars will be visible during
totality. Additionally, Mercury will shine at
magnitude –1.1 and Mars at magnitude 1.6. Due
to its location 40° east of the Sun, Venus will sit
low in the southeast and may not be visible.
ASTRONOMY: ROEN KELLY