The Joy of Eclipse Chasing: A Family Tradition

Eclipse chasing is not just a hobby for some; it’s a cherished family tradition. Jared Kho, at 37, has been on a journey to witness total solar eclipses since 2012, following closely in the footsteps of his parents, Janet Tay and Koh Joo Beng, who have been exploring these celestial events together for nearly two decades. With a love for astronomy running in the family, Jared experienced his first total solar eclipse while aboard a ship between Tahiti and Australia at the age of 23, inspired by the travel journal his mother keeps to document their remarkable explorations and the cosmic wonders they encounter.

“My father and I have been observing eclipses together for years,” Jared shared. His father has observed a total of 14 total solar eclipses, while Jared has experienced four. The upcoming eclipse on August 12, which will traverse parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, marks his fifth experience. Excitingly, he plans to view it from a ship once again, sailing off La Coruña in the beautiful northwestern region of Galicia, Spain. Being at sea helps them sidestep many of the logistical issues often faced on land, such as heavy traffic, limited accommodations, and crowded viewing spots. “Cruise ships can usually get quite close to the center line of the eclipse path,” he explained.

Anticipating a Rare Event

As mainland Europe is about to witness its first total solar eclipse since 1999, a series of articles are being dedicated to this much-anticipated astronomical event. The articles will feature insights from the path of totality in Spain, focusing on the unique aspects of viewing this phenomenon.

The spacious horizon provided by the open sea allows for an unobstructed view of the sun, which will be positioned merely about 10 degrees above the horizon just before sunset. “Since the August eclipse occurs quite late in the day, Spain presents a lovely yet distinct challenge. Without proper planning, even the simplest obstacle like a row of trees or a hotel roof could block your perspective,” Jared noted in an online eclipse group. He and his father have even published a comprehensive guide titled Chasing Totality: The Complete Handbook for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse, aimed at helping fellow eclipse enthusiasts find the best viewing spots along Spain’s path of totality.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

With experience comes wisdom, and Jared’s advice is rooted in years of learning from initial missteps. “During my first eclipse—before smartphones had decent cameras—I spent too much time trying to capture the solar corona with my old Nokia. I really regretted it. I should have just embraced the moment, particularly because a phone can’t replicate the magnificent sight the human eye can perceive,” he reminisced.

A Family Dedicated to Discovery

As with many eclipse enthusiasts, the Kho family’s passion thrives alongside their careers, which are quite distant from astronomy. Jared plays a vital role in designing and implementing training programs for managers within Singapore’s public healthcare system. His retired parents, who both had significant professional careers in engineering and accounting, nurtured their interests even further; his father pursued an astronomy master’s degree after retirement. Fred Espenak, a seasoned eclipse chaser who has seen total solar eclipses from every continent, including Antarctica, once stated that eclipses create a beautiful opportunity to explore the globe. This sentiment resonates deeply with Jared and his family. “Dad loves astronomy, Mum enjoys traveling. Eclipse chasing perfectly intertwines their passions,” Jared said.

Inheriting this shared enthusiasm, Jared sees himself as a “second-generation eclipse chaser.” His mother meticulously plans each expedition two years in advance, managing flight bookings and accommodations often for trips lasting one to two weeks. “Eclipse chasing can be quite costly; I’d say each trip runs us over $3,000 per person,” Jared revealed. His father oversees the equipment needed for their adventures, ensuring both multiple cameras and solar filters are packed to capture each moment perfectly, along with 360-degree cameras and drones for filming the stunning landscape.

Creating Unique Memories

From the South Pacific in 2012 to Idaho Falls in 2017 and Exmouth, Australia, in 2023, with plans to gather in Kerrville, Texas, in 2024, each eclipse presents its own unique experience. Despite following the same series of celestial events, no two encounters feel alike. “The locations can dramatically change the experience,” Jared noted, echoing sentiments expressed by his mother after witnessing the 2024 eclipse in Texas. “Mother Nature gifted us with her own weather quirks: strong winds, large billowing clouds, and sporadic heavy rain. Although we avoided the rain, we battled wind and clouds. Totality seemed almost out of reach—just glimpses of sunlight between contacts, and during totality, the clouds rushed in to play peek-a-boo with us.”

The Power of Awe

“The cyclic nature of the eclipse is the only constant, no matter where you are watching from,” Jared explained. “There’s always a wait filled with anticipation as the sun fades away, culminating in an explosion of excitement at totality.” This shared moment of awe has garnered increasing interest from researchers looking at how eclipses influence human emotions, social dynamics, and our connection to science. A study conducted during the 2024 total solar eclipse with over 1,300 participants noted exceptionally high feelings of awe, with many still reflecting on those emotions months later. Some reported tears, silence, or struggling to articulate their experience. Another study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology in 2025 discovered that individuals who shared the experience with a group felt more profound positive emotions, increased awe, and a stronger sense of connection with others than those who viewed it alone.

“An eclipse is a cosmic spectacle: the alignment of celestial bodies serves as a humbling reminder of our smallness in the universe, which sits on a rock floating through space,” Jared shared. “This perspective emphasizes for me just how valuable our limited time is on this planet.”

Conclusion

Eclipse chasing is not only a thrilling adventure; it’s a meaningful family tradition that nurtures relationships, stirs awe, and encourages a deeper understanding of our universe. With their shared experiences, the Kho family exemplifies how these celestial events can bond generations and create lasting memories.

Key Takeaways:

Eclipse chasing has become a treasured family tradition for Jared Kho and his parents.
The upcoming August 12 eclipse will be watched from a ship to avoid land-based challenges.
Planning and preparation are crucial for successful eclipse viewing experiences.
Experiencing an eclipse as a group enhances feelings of awe and connection among individuals.