Eclipse Chasing: A Family Tradition

For many enthusiasts, chasing eclipses is more than just a hobby; it’s a cherished family tradition. Jared Kho, a 37-year-old travel enthusiast, has been following total solar eclipses around the globe since 2012, inspired by his parents, Janet Tay and Koh Joo Beng, who have been pursuing this astronomical phenomenon together for nearly 20 years. Jared’s first experience of a total solar eclipse occurred when he was 23, while aboard a ship near Tahiti and Australia, a trip noted in the travel journal his mother keeps to document their adventures. “I have shared countless eclipse moments with my father,” Jared shared with FRANCE 24. His father has viewed 14 total solar eclipses, while Jared has witnessed four, with the upcoming eclipse on August 12 marking his fifth. Yet again, he plans to observe it from the sea, as their boat will set sail from La Coruña in Spain’s scenic Galicia region. This approach helps them sidestep the logistical hassles often encountered on land, such as heavy traffic, lack of accommodations, and crowded viewing sites. As Jared aptly puts it, “Cruise ships can navigate close to the center line of the eclipse’s path.”

An Anticipated Astronomical Event

As mainland Europe prepares for its first total solar eclipse since 1999, FRANCE 24 is excited to feature a series of articles dedicated to this highly anticipated event—one of the continent’s highlights for the decade. Upcoming reports are set to cover the path of totality in Spain.

• Eclipse chasers: When chasing totality becomes a way of life (1/4)
• From Solar Corona to Human Emotions: What can we learn from eclipses? (2/4)

Unique Challenges and Preparations

The open sea horizon promises an unobstructed view of the Sun, which will hover about 10 degrees above the horizon just before sunset. “Given that the August eclipse occurs quite late in the day, Spain presents a stunning yet unique challenge,” Jared explained in a Facebook group about the eclipse. “Without strategic planning, something as simple as a row of trees or a hotel roof could obstruct your view.” Jared and his father have even published a guide titled Chasing Totality: The Complete Handbook for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse, aimed at assisting fellow eclipse chasers in finding optimal viewing locations within Spain’s path of totality. This guidance comes from years of experience and lessons learned from initial missteps. “During my first eclipse, before smartphones captured great photos, I wasted precious time trying to photograph the solar corona with my old Nokia,” he reminisced. “I wish I had just enjoyed the eclipse itself since a phone can’t replicate what the human eye perceives.”

A Family Affair in Astronomy

Jared’s family, like many eclipse chasers, balances their passion for astronomy with full-time careers far removed from the field. Jared works as a training consultant for managers in Singapore’s public healthcare sector. His retired parents held jobs as an electrical engineer and an accountant. However, his father later pursued a master’s degree in astronomy after retirement. Veteran eclipse chaser Fred Espenak, who has experienced solar eclipses on every continent including Antarctica, once articulated that seeing an eclipse is “a wonderful way to see the world.” This sentiment resonates with Jared, who believes that it mirrors his family’s journey perfectly. “Dad loves astronomy; Mum enjoys traveling. Chasing eclipses is the ideal blend of their passions,” he noted.

Planning and Experiences

Jared has inherited their enthusiasm and describes himself as a “second-generation eclipse chaser.” His mother begins planning their adventures two years ahead, organizing flights and accommodations for trips that last between one to two weeks. “Eclipse chasing can be expensive,” Jared admits, estimating that their family spends over $3,000 per person for each journey. His father is in charge of the technical equipment, bringing multiple cameras, lenses, and solar filters to capture the eclipses. They also pack 360-degree cameras and drones to film the breathtaking scenery around them. Notable locations have included the South Pacific in 2012, Idaho Falls in 2017, Exmouth in Australia in 2023, and Kerrville in Texas in 2024. While every total solar eclipse unfolds in a similar pattern, Jared emphasizes that each experience feels uniquely different. “The setting significantly influences the experience,” he noted. This sentiment echoed his mother’s reflections after witnessing the 2024 eclipse in Texas, where she described the dramatic weather as a contributing factor to their experience: “Nature orchestrated its own unique weather show—strong winds, billowing clouds, and intermittently heavy rain. We didn’t experience rain but contended with wind and clouds that made totality feel like a fleeting glimpse,” she wrote.

The Shared Experience of Awe

“The only constant in any eclipse, no matter where you are, is the sequence of events,” Jared reflected. “Anticipation builds as the Sun becomes increasingly obscured, followed by a surge of exhilaration when totality finally arrives.” This shared sense of wonder has drawn the attention of researchers studying how eclipses impact human emotions, social behavior, and our connection to science. A study involving over 1,300 individuals during the 2024 total solar eclipse found that participants reported exceptionally high levels of awe, with many reflecting on those feelings months later. Some even described emotional reactions, ranging from tears to silence, struggling to articulate their experience. Another study published in 2025 highlighted that those who shared their totality experience with a group expressed stronger positive emotions, more profound feelings of awe, and a deeper connection with others compared to those who watched alone. “An eclipse is a cosmic event; the alignment of celestial bodies serves as a humbling reminder of our smallness in the vast universe,” Jared observed. “From that viewpoint, it becomes apparent that treasuring our fleeting time on this planet is what’s truly significant.”

Conclusion

Ultimately, the journey into eclipse chasing transcends mere celestial observation; it’s a profound blend of nature, family bonds, and lifelong passion. With every eclipse, Jared and his family’s experiences remind us of the beauty and mystery of the universe, enriching their lives and inspiring others to look up at the skies.

Key Takeaways

• Jared Kho’s family tradition of eclipse chasing reflects a unique blend of passion and adventure.
• Planning for eclipse viewing involves years of preparation and significant investment.
• Eclipses evoke wonder and deep emotional responses, creating unforgettable memories.
• The shared experience of viewing an eclipse can enhance personal connections and feelings of awe.