Numerous solar eclipse enthusiasts have traveled to North America recently to witness a rare solar event.
As reported by BBC, experts predict that over a million individuals, both from within and outside of North America, are expected to travel to the path where the upcoming total solar eclipse can be fully seen on April 8.
Many of these individuals are passionate about astronomy, science, and exploring new places.
Some just love looking at the stars and want to learn more about the universe.
As per BBC, the Australian psychologist Kate Russo has arrived in North America in recent days to watch her 14th total solar eclipse, this time in Uvalde, Texas.
Ms. Russo saw a solar eclipse in 1999 when she was in her twenties along the southern coast of France.
She thought it would be a one-time thing, but it fascinated her so much that she decided to make studying and chasing solar eclipses her lifelong passion.
Another eclipse chaser from Toronto, David Makepeace, who is about to catch his 19th solar eclipse, said the experience evokes existential questions for him.
Paul Maley, a retired data analyst and flight control specialist who spent 41 years at NASA, likened the urge to chase eclipses to a kind of addiction.
He said, ‘’Once you get to see something that is this unique, you want more of it.”
While Mr. Maley, who lives in Arizona, has seen 83 eclipses since 1970 - including annual, partial and total solar eclipses - across 42 countries.
His love of chasing them inspired him to launch a tourism company which takes dozens of people on trips to see eclipses around the world.
To mark the April 8 event, Mr. Maley launched a boat cruise off the coast of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico with nearly 200 passengers.
As per as NASA, North America will witness its second total solar eclipse in seven years on April 8, 2024.
