Special flight from Australia announced to view total eclipse of the Sun in 2003

Thousands of Eclipse chasers from around the world will gather tomorrow (4 December) at Ceduna, in outback South Australia, to observe the first total solar eclipse in Australia for almost 30 years.

But for those who miss the fleeting event, there is now a rare opportunity to experience the next total eclipse, due on 24 November, 2003, over Mirny, a Russian research base in Antarctica.

A Qantas Boeing 747-400 has now been confirmed for a unique sightseeing flight from Perth to Antarctica to enable enthusiasts to witness the next eclipse against the dramatic backdrop of Antarctica.

The Qantas Antarctica Eclipse Flight is the result of four years of planning by Melbourne's Croydon Travel - operator of the world's only Antarctica Sightseeing Flights - and eclipse enthusiasts around the world. 

The total eclipse over Antarctica will last significantly longer than the eclipse over South Australia this week but fewer people will witness the event due to its occurrence in one of the most remote and isolated regions in the world.

The special Qantas flight will be the only easily accessible way to observe the total solar eclipse in 2003 - the only total solar eclipse occurring for the next three years.

Phil Asker, director of Croydon Travel, said: "Antarctica is unique, and total eclipses are even more so. Through this special flight we will offer an opportunity to experience both.

"A sightseeing flight to view the eclipse over Antarctica offers excellent viewing opportunities as the Qantas 747 should be able to climb high enough to be clear of any bad weather.

"Lengthy and costly travel by ship is the only other way of viewing the 2003 total eclipse, and by being at sea level one runs a relatively high risk of experiencing cloud cover."

The special flight will depart Perth late on 23 November and intercept the eclipse at approximately 0640 on 24 November 2003. Seats also are available from Sydney, from where the 747 will begin its journey to Perth and then Antarctica.

As well as being in a perfect position to view the 2003 total eclipse, the special Qantas flight will feature extensive Antarctica sightseeing, at a time of year when this region is experiencing almost continuous daylight.

The cost of the flight varies from AUD$1099 (USD605) depending on seating position. This compares to around AUD$55,000 (USD30,000) for the alternate means of seeing the next eclipse - an icebreaker cruise or landing in Antarctica on a blue ice runway and camping on the ice for a week.