If you\u2019re a stargazer at heart, you\u2019ll likely be glued to your screen during the solar eclipse on April 8. If you\u2019re lucky enough to be located along its path, you may even have an eclipse viewer with protective filters standing by. And if you\u2019re a guest aboard Holland America Line<\/a>\u2019s Koningsdam and Zaandam, you\u2019re getting ready for the breathtaking and unique experience of a solar eclipse at sea. If not, you could join us on Facebook<\/a> as we livestream the eclipse from one of our cruise ships, beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT.<\/p>\n Until then, explore some fun facts and what makes an eclipse at sea a stellar journey.<\/p>\n<\/div> Though weather can affect anyone\u2019s view \u2013 from land or sea \u2013 cruisers have a few advantages. We recently caught up with University of California San Diego (UCSD) Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics Adam Burgasser, who will be aboard the Koningsdam for the solar eclipse cruise as a guest speaker, to learn more about what makes a solar eclipse journey unique.<\/p>\n First and foremost, our captains can closely monitor weather forecasts and slightly adjust routes in advance if it helps improve the view. When you\u2019re on land, you could miss the eclipse by the time you try to beat the cloud cover. Secondly, you won\u2019t experience the same kind of light pollution at sea as you would on land. The only light pollution cruisers will experience is from the sun itself. You’re also more likely to experience the eclipse from one end of the horizon to the other. This provides a unique opportunity to track what the sun is doing. According to Professor Burgasser, the entire environment will change as the sun\u2019s shadow moves across the horizon. One of the best parts though is the possibility of seeing planets we don\u2019t usually see, such as Venus and Mercury.<\/p>\n<\/div>A Unique View at Sea<\/strong><\/h3>\n
A Few Fun Facts<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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How to Make Your Own Eclipse Viewer<\/strong><\/h4>\n