caffeine writes:
I recall, all the way back in 1999, that there was excitement about an eclipse in Europe, but this was only a 'partial eclipse' (not sure if that referred only to the particular part of Europe I happened to be in). I recall that it was cloudy, and it got a bit dimmer. I was underwhelmed.
That's about the extent of it. 99% coverage is not 99% of a total eclipse, as far as the spectacle goes. Excusing the pun, but the difference between a partial eclipse and a total eclipse is night and day.
However, there is nothing anywhere near me. How is that Washington, Illinois and some remote spots in the ocean get two eclipses in a decade, while I see none despite several decades of life. Am I just unlucky in timing, or is there actually some reason that Europe is less likely to fall in the path of an eclipse?
I would think that you are just unlucky. After having watched the last one, I can say that it would be worth it to at least pay for airfare and fly to the states if you can find a free place to stay (e.g. friends, EvC posters willing to host). There was a ton of price gouging for this last eclipse, so housing could be a problem.