Photographing a once in 321-year Solar Eclipse from Rapa Nui | Easter Island:

From left: Josh, with his friend and Mum in front of Ahi Renga.

Reflecting back on the events of 2024, it certainly was the year of astronomy. Thinking back to the incredible meteor showers, aurora displays and the Lone Star Eclipse from Dallas, Texas. There was one particular event that stood out for me on the astronomical calendar and it was that of an event not to be see again for three-generations. An Annular Solar Eclipse from the island of Rapa Nui, more famously known, as Easter Island.

During my photographic career, I have been lucky enough to have already visited Easter Island pre-pandemic in November 2019. The mystery of the Moai statues had always fascinated me since I was a youngster; from reading the works of Thor Heyerdalhl and the Kon Tiki expedition. I will never forget watching the eclipse coverage in 2010 of the Total Solar Eclipse; wishing that I could be there. I was too young at that age unfortunately to witness this particular event, but have fond memories of the photographs I saw from that eclipse. I remember creating a painting when I was 13-years old; thinking "Will I ever see a view like that one?". With the next Total Solar Eclipse due in the year 2324 and the next Annular in 2345, the weight and power of Astronomy was on my shoulders. This would be the last chance in my lifetime to witness a dramatic celestial event from the island. In my eyes, it was un-missable.

Josh speaking in Spanish with Chilean tourists about the Annular Solar Eclipse.

With a good duration of 6-minutes. An Annular Solar Eclipse occurred, also referred to as a 'Ring Of Fire'. This is when the moon in its relative orbit appears slightly smaller than the disc of the Sun. Quite an extraordinary, rare event that I aways wanted to tick off my bucket list.

So on the 26th September, we set off for South America - 5-years later. Fortunately, the travel much better than what we had encountered 6-months earlier en route to

Dallas! The experience was nothing short of emotional. To think we were back and set for the path of annularity ahead of 2nd October. What made the experience more emotional for me was to meet friends that I hadn't seen in five-years; teaming up again for the eclipse only to see a wave across the shores of Hanga Roa.

Over the coming days, the intensity of the eclipse was building. Seeing groups from Sky and Telescope, Astronomy Magazine as well as ALMA homing in on Rapa Nui for the main event. As the day approached, I did my best to keep an eye on the weather and it really was looking hit or miss; nail biting. As of 1st October, projected for partly cloudy conditions. But would they strike at the crucial time 14:07; the peak of annularity?

One of the first images from the GOES Satellite - capturing the darkening Umbral Shadow tracking across the Pacific and Rapa Nui.

For this event, I witnessed the Ring Of Fire Solar Eclipse from the mystical Rano Raraku Quarry. As a UNESCO World Heritage Island and within the National Park, this is a highly restricted area of the island; where the majority of the Moai statues had been carved. There were a number of hoops to jump through, but it was an immense privilege to photograph this event from such a spectacular setting. I will never forget the moment of walking the path and setting up my equipment in the works of greatness; being surrounded by the elusive Moai; the ancestors of the land.

Because of the extraordinary support I had from the islanders, I felt it inside of me to give something back to the people. The shock for me was to see how many people left the island on the day of the eclipse and after. So being able to exhange solar eclipse glasses and t-shirts from the UK, it was my way of giving back for such a privileged invitation. I felt great homage to celebrate this event with the islanders and share in awe and wonder of a culturally significant eclipse. Interacting with tourists from South America and passers by, it was so great to inform and educate others in native tongue on the importance of this event.

There was one Moai that I had my eyes set on. However, I was not to understand the full story before I arrived. Our friend informed us this Moai statue had a name, called Ahi Renga. Translated into English as "Fire Flames". Was that a coincidence of what?! We were photographing a Ring Of Fire Solar Eclipse from a Moai statue named fire flames! On the neck of the Moai, the remains of paint and motif resembling flames can be seen. The cherry on the cake was a petroglyph on the Moai's left shoulder depicting the island's deity, Make-Make. It is now understood this decoration was to identify this Moai as a prototype; for the Rapa Nui Artists for the creation of future Moai. To add to the story, the path of annularity would sweep over multiple tectonic plates, including The Pacific Ring Of Fire. Just - wow.

Then, the crucial time of 12:23 was upon us. The eclipse had began. I couldn't quite believe my eyes as clear skies were overhead. Sending material back to the UK, it was fascinating for Space.com to share my live coverage of the eclipse and to think, we were sharing the experience with the world. Nothing short of fascinating. Our team was taking centre-stage for this eclipse.

Screenshot of the Space.com coverage.

A concern I was aware of, there was a storm south-west of the island, which I was keeping track of and luckily, missed the island by a few miles or so. Otherwise, a few clouds passed by but not enough to miss the great event. These events are quite frankly - stunning. Nowhere near the same intensity as a Total Solar Eclipse, but the landscape does become somewhat mute and anonymous. A slight drop in temperature and light. Then, we heralded baileys beads; the final moments when the moon appeared to 'detach' from the sun. The annular solar eclipse was there; hanging in the sky, above Ahi Renga; Fire Flames.

The 312-year eclipse. Composite photo documenting the moment of Annularity.

For me, I kept replaying the facts over and over in my head. "321-years, 321-years". Those 6 minutes were so precious. Watching the celestial performance from a place which I have studied, researched and loved. One observation I have made in my career is to hold on to those memories. Before you know it - they are gone. You are writing about the event, like in this blog post as a piece of history. But for those few precious moments, it gives you time to register the memory; that which you will cherish for life. It was hard work, grit and determination but as I look back, I really felt that I had touched the holy grail. Travelling 13,472 miles for 6-minutes. Am I mad? Nothing short of - yes.

It is also a reminder for how I see the practice of Astrophotography evolving. I see many Photographers who seek to chase every eclipse, or location with the milky way. But there is a distinguished attitude between one who embraces themselves with the cultural connection of Astronomy over commercialism. That is why I say from my experience, you make it your best efforts to see what you want to see. There is no pressure to chase each and every one. For me, Rapa Nui was my connection to place and to witness the event and one that I hold dear in my experiences as an Astrophotographer. I would encourage other photographers to look inside themselves and to follow the chase to experiences that are personal to them.

My final image being a celebration of that event. A legacy for the islanders for many years to come. Another joy for me, being able to send prints to my friends and the community; displaying the image at their community hubs so they have memories of this incredible celestial event for eternity.

Josh's photograph. El Cinturón De Fuego del Pacifico (The Pacific Ring Of Fire) taking place above Ahi Renga (Fire Flames) for one last time in three-centuries from Rapa Nui | Easter Island.