The Eclipse Chaser

Today, millions of Americans will have the opportunity to see a
rare total solar eclipse.


Fred Espenak, a retired astrophysicist known as Mr. Eclipse, was
so blown away by an eclipse he saw as a teenager that he
dedicated his life to traveling the world and seeing as many as
he could.


Mr. Espenak discusses the eclipses that have punctuated and
defined the most important moments in his life, and explains why
these celestial phenomena are such a wonder to experience.


Guest: Fred Espenak, a.k.a. “Mr. Eclipse,” a former NASA
astrophysicist and lifelong eclipse chaser.


Background reading: 


A total solar eclipse is coming. Here’s what you need to
know.

Millions of people making plans to be in the path of the
solar eclipse on Monday know it will be awe-inspiring. What is
that feeling?

The eclipse that ended a war and shook the gods forever.



For more information on today’s episode, visit
nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made
available by the next workday.