An eclipse chaser’s guide to your first eclipse

AN ECLIPSE CHASER’S GUIDE TO YOUR

The United States has not seen a total solar eclipse sail from sea to shining sea in nearly a century. That means that Monday, when the moon engulfs the sun in the sky, a new generation will experience a celestial extravaganza unlike anything else.

If you are one of these millions, prepare to feel changed forever. So say the eclipse chasers who venture great distances and go to extreme lengths to witness the ethereal occurrence.

“This is the most awesome astronomical event there is, period,” said Mike Kentrianakis, a veteran eclipse chaser. “You’ll never ever forget it.”

Kentrianakis has spent his life in pursuit of totality, the fleeting moment when the moon aligns perfectly with the sun and throws everything into darkness.

He was so excited about the Great American Eclipse that he hit the road in 2015, traveling the 3,000-mile path of the coming eclipse as part of his work with the American Astronomical Society.

The purpose of his trip was as much to inspire people as it was to warn them of the inevitable and overwhelming crowds that would flood their towns, as he has seen happen numerous times before.

“This is two years out. They didn’t know what was coming,” Kentrianakis said. “We knew. No one can predict the future, except for an eclipse chaser.”

Here’s what he and his fellow eclipse aficionados say we should expect.

“The difference between being off the line of totality and on it is like the difference between seeing a lightning bug and lightning.”

— ASTROPHYSICIST HAKEEM OLUSEYI

SEE A LIST OF ECLIPSE GATHERINGS IN OUR REGION, PAGE E5 The only time it’s safe to remove your eclipse glasses when looking directly at the eclipse is during totality, when the moon is completely blocking the sun.

SAM HODGSON/THE NEW YORK TIMES Mike Kentrianakis, of the American Astronomical Society, has spent his life in pursuit of totality — when the moon aligns perfectly with the sun.