S3, E9: Why You Can't Miss the April Solar Eclipse, According to an Airstream-Obsessed Astronomy Expert

It's not too late to plan for the April solar eclipse! This week on Unpacked, a seasoned astronomy and eclipse expert—who roams the country in his beloved vintage Airstream—explains how eclipses have shaped his life and why everyone should experience one in their lifetime.

Transcript

Aislyn Greene, host: I’m Aislyn Greene, and this is Unpacked, the podcast where we tackle one fascinating travel topic every week. Today, we're blending the excitement of chasing eclipses with the allure of Airstream road trips. Doesn’t that sound like a dream adventure?

As you may know, on April 8th, 2024, the sun, Earth, and moon will align perfectly, creating a total solar eclipse that will darken parts of the United States. This awe-inspiring event will cast cities like Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas in Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cleveland, Ohio; and Buffalo and Rochester in New York into shadow for up to four minutes and 27 seconds.

This week, we’re joined by Scott Roberts, the founder of Explore Scientific, a company specializing in telescopes, binoculars, microscopes, and more. Scott is also an enthusiastic amateur astronomer who has experienced four solar eclipses and spends his time traveling across the U.S. for astronomy events in his classic 1968 Airstream Overlander, which he affectionately named after his mother. He'll be taking this same Airstream to Texas this April to witness the upcoming eclipse.

We discussed the best locations to view the eclipse, how witnessing an eclipse can transform us, and why the Airstream has become such a lasting symbol of adventure and freedom.

Hey, Scott, welcome to Unpacked. It looks like a gorgeous day where you are. Where exactly are you right now?

Scott Roberts: I’m currently in Springdale, Arkansas, right in front of the Explore Scientific building.

Aislyn: That’s awesome!

Scott: This is the Airstream, yep. It’s named Barbara Jean. It’s got solar panels, an on-demand water heater, and it runs like a charm.

Aislyn: You must’ve been really comfortable during those years you were living on the road.

Scott: Absolutely. When I first got it, someone asked me, “What’s it like?” and I said, “I’m going to sleep in it the first night.” At that time, it still had the original 1968 shag carpet, and everything inside was completely original. The only thing that’s left from those days are these little lights.

Aislyn: That’s fantastic. I definitely want to hear more Airstream stories, but let’s start with what you do.

Scott: I’m the founder and president of Explore Scientific. We specialize in telescopes, microscopes, binoculars, and optics for outdoor exploration. Astronomy is a big passion of mine, and I’m well known in that field. Personally, I focus a lot on educational outreach in astronomy for my own enjoyment.

So, if things aren’t quite right in the world and I can’t escape for a camping trip in my Airstream, I’ll grab my telescope and head to a street corner. I’ll let people take a look through it—maybe they’ll get their first view of Saturn’s rings or see the moon up close for the first time. It’s always amazing to me how many people have never actually seen Saturn’s rings in person, even though they’ve seen countless pictures of it.

Aislyn: But seeing it with your own eyes.

Scott: Exactly, seeing it with your own eyes. And people are often struck by a couple of things. First, they can’t believe it’s real—

Aislyn: I see.

Scott: They’re looking around the front of the telescope, trying to figure out if there’s a slide or a trick I’ve set up. Then I tap the telescope gently, making it shake a little. That’s when they realize it’s real. They see the planet wiggle and exclaim, “It’s live!”

Aislyn: Wow.

Scott: This is the real deal—you’re looking at something 900 million miles away. That number really seems to astonish people. They think, Wow, I’m seeing something 900 million miles away. But in reality, when we look at planets, we’re peering into our very own cosmic backyard.

Aislyn: Have you always been fascinated by celestial events and objects like that?

Scott: I have pretty early memories. My mom, Barbara Jean—who the Airstream is named after—was a Navy wife, so we lived on military bases. I remember we were living in a Quonset hut, one of those Airstream-shaped buildings. I was playing with my toys on the kitchen floor, looking out the screen door, when I saw a bright light. Because it was shining through the screen, it created a diffraction spike, making a cross shape. I was completely captivated by that. I asked my mom what it was, and she told me, 'That’s a star.' I now realize it was probably Venus.

Aislyn: Yeah, that would explain how bright it was.

Scott: I think I was about three years old at the time, so I was already showing an interest in that. I was born in 1959, so I’m a product of the space race era.

Aislyn: Yeah.

Scott: And an Apollo-era kid, too. I was always fascinated by the idea of exploring space. It was something that really gripped me, and by the time I was 10, I was desperate for a telescope. I kept begging my parents for one, and finally, I got a small telescope for Christmas. I was over the moon with excitement. At that point, I thought I wanted to become a photographer.

Aislyn: Oh, OK.

Scott: So I set up my own darkroom and started taking pictures as best as I could. That experience sparked a deep fascination with optics and all the incredible things they can do.

Aislyn: I see. Yeah.

Scott: So I began working at a camera shop, and I started teaching photography. This was in California. It was there that I was reintroduced to astronomy, but this time on a more advanced level. We started selling telescopes for serious amateur astronomers. This was just before Halley’s Comet made its return.

And then, the comet craze took off. It was truly amazing. During that time, I had the opportunity to meet JPL scientists and professional astronomers. Looking back, I’m really glad I made that shift and decided to pursue something I loved doing.

Aislyn: Well, you mentioned the excitement surrounding the comet, and I feel like we’re experiencing a similar kind of excitement right now with the upcoming solar eclipse, so I was—

Scott: And you’re absolutely right about that.

Aislyn: —I’m curious to know why you personally find eclipses so captivating.

Scott: Well, you know, no one can truly describe how incredible a total eclipse is. You can watch videos, look at pictures, and while they’re beautiful and the footage is amazing, it’s still not the same as actually experiencing it in person. It’s something that really impacts you deeply on a personal level.

The first total eclipse I saw—I was working beyond my time at the camera store, now for a telescope manufacturing company. Then, WGBH Boston—the team behind the Nova series—reached out to me. At first, they didn’t tell me who they were. They simply said they needed equipment for the eclipse.

I said, “Sure, this is the kind of equipment you’ll need,” and we went back and forth. Then they mentioned, “We don’t have anyone who can operate this equipment. Could you handle it?” And I was like, “Well, I’m not sure,” but then they added, “Would you be willing to do it for a documentary?”

I replied, “Yeah, that sounds intriguing.” Then I asked, “Who is this?” and they said, “This is Nova from WGBH Boston.” And I said, “Count me in!”

Aislyn: Yeah. Yeah. “I’m sold.”

Scott: I’m in. So, we head to Hawai‘i, and we start setting up at Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea stands at 14,000 feet. We’re given special access—after all, we’re with Nova, and the National Geographic team is there too. It’s basically a who's who of documentary filmmakers on the mountain. As I’m preparing everything, I’m going to skip the full story, but the short version is: I stay awake for four days straight working on this eclipse.

Aislyn: What?Scott: Yeah, you heard me. One of the things you quickly realize at 14,000 feet is how hard it is to sleep due to the lack of oxygen. That’s probably why people can get into serious trouble up there—because you can’t get enough rest. Your blood doesn’t have enough oxygen to let you sleep.

But when the eclipse finally starts, I’ve got everything ready to go. I run into a few issues getting things set up—probably from exhaustion—but also because of some equipment problems, which I manage to fix. As the eclipse begins, clouds roll in and start covering our camera lenses. We’re using 35mm motion picture cameras, and the clouds are blocking the shot. I’m like, “No!” So, I stand up and push my head above the cloud cover.

Aislyn: Oh my God.

Scott: I can see the sun starting to appear, it’s happening.

Aislyn: Yeah. Yeah.

Scott: They’ve got an open PA system, and they’re counting down the minutes until what they call ‘first contact.’ They’re doing it in multiple languages because there are French teams, people from Spain, and others, so it's all happening at once. And they’re playing 'Here Comes the Sun' by The Beatles. I’m a huge Beatles fan, so—

Aislyn: That sounds magical.

Scott: It was magical, almost surreal, especially since I had been awake for four days. This was the fourth day, and the eclipse was just beginning. As the sun rose a little higher, it brought enough warmth for the clouds to drop, settling right at my feet.

Aislyn: OK.

Scott: The sun continues to be obscured, and you’ve seen those sequences where the moon gradually covers the sun, until totality finally arrives. And Aislyn, when it happens, you are absolutely not ready for the way it makes you feel.

Aislyn: Really?

Scott: Really. I’ve witnessed breathtaking comets and countless stunning sky events, but when this eclipse occurred, it brought with it a sense of impending doom.

Aislyn: Oh, wow.

Scott: There was an undeniable sense that something was terribly wrong. It was in that moment I understood why entire armies would drop their weapons and flee.

Aislyn: Like, just run away. Hide. The end of the world is here. Yeah.

Scott: It’s happening right now. Something feels deeply off. The sun, you know, but as it unfolds, and this was a particularly lengthy eclipse—like the one we’re about to see in Texas. We’re looking at a duration of over four minutes.

Aislyn: Wow.

Scott: This particular eclipse was known as the Great Eclipse. By the time it reached Mexico, it lasted a full seven minutes. It was all about the alignment of the moon, the sun, and Earth. You can study this geometry and do the math, but seeing it with your own eyes—it’s hard to believe. It’s almost impossible to wrap your mind around. And it affects people in different ways, but I’ve never met anyone who saw a total eclipse and said, “Yeah, it was fine.” Never heard that.

Aislyn: Do you notice some people getting more excited and joyful, while others seem more anxious or overwhelmed? Is that what you mean by the variety of reactions?

Scott: When you're with a group, you’ll hear a mix of joyous screams and astonished gasps, like they’re struggling to breathe. It’s incredible, especially for those experiencing their first eclipse, but even seasoned eclipse chasers are filled with awe. Some people even become eclipse junkies; this will be my fourth total eclipse to chase down.

Aislyn: I was just about to ask you that.

Scott: Once it’s over, you’ll crave another one. It’s like you can’t get enough of that feeling.

Aislyn: It sounds like the upcoming eclipse in April is particularly special because of its length. Are there any other features that make it stand out?

Scott: The duration. There are a few key reasons why this eclipse is truly remarkable. One is that it will pass over a highly populated region, with easy access to the centerline. It will traverse some of the most densely populated areas of the United States, making it potentially the most significant scientific event in history.

Aislyn: Wow, that’s incredible.

Scott: Millions of people are going to be watching this, no doubt about it.

Aislyn: That’s amazing.

Scott: And, you know, if you live in the U.S. and you don’t make an effort to see this, it’s a missed opportunity. It’s like—if you’ve never experienced one, you have no idea what you’re missing. And once you do see one, you’ll be left thinking, 'Wow, everyone should witness this because it will completely shift how you see the world.'

Aislyn: Wow. Do you think it makes people feel—

Scott: A complete shift in perspective.

Aislyn: A shift in perspective. In what way? What exactly do you mean by that?

Scott: Because suddenly, it stops being just an idea. You begin to truly grasp that you are on a living, moving planet, hurtling through space. And something so extraordinary is happening in the sky, something that dwarfs anything you’ve ever seen before. There’s no light show or concert that compares. As a father, I even rank it right up there with witnessing childbirth.

Aislyn: Wow, that’s powerful.

Scott: It’s that kind of moment where you just think, “Wow, this is incredible.”

Aislyn: Yeah. Yeah. I think it’s that sense of awareness. We go through our routines—driving, working, eating—and we don’t really pause to think about, well, unless you do—what’s around us, what we’re actually a part of.

Scott: Right. And honestly, I’m not doing anything extraordinary. But when I wake up in the morning and see the sun rise, I don’t see it as just ‘the sun.’ To me, it’s a star.

Aislyn: Hmm, that’s really interesting. Yeah.

Scott: And we’re so close to that star. I realize that this star is what sustains life on our planet. It’s something truly remarkable. And, you know, if we were at a bar and I said, “Yeah, the sun is special, it’s amazing,” it might sound like a casual remark, but it’s really so much more than that.

Aislyn: I’d probably be thinking, “Uh, OK... “

Scott: She’d probably be thinking, “Oh my God, how do I get away from this guy?”

Aislyn: I’d be like, “I’m just gonna go sit at the other end of the bar.” Just joking, of course.

Scott: Exactly, exactly.

Aislyn: But I really appreciate that perspective, you know? I don’t usually think that way, but now I definitely will.

Scott: When you step outside, you might think of the sun as just a light source to help you see things.

Aislyn: Yeah. Totally. That’s about the gist of it.

Scott: But even now, when it gets dark, it’s like, 'OK, time to rest or whatever.' But if I stepped outside the Airstream right now, I’d still feel the warmth from the sun. That warmth comes from radiation, the photons emitted by our star. And that’s the same for all the stars you see in the sky. Same process. Some people get really deep into the philosophy of it all.

Aislyn: I can imagine that.

Scott: I’ve heard amateur astronomers really dive into that, going down some serious rabbit holes.

Aislyn: Really deep, yeah.

Scott: Yeah, really deep. They’ll tell you things like, 'Right now, you’re staring at the Andromeda Galaxy.' One guy put it so perfectly—I don’t think I can match his eloquence—but he said it’s like the starlight was destined to reach your eyes.

Aislyn: Wow. That’s incredible.

Scott: And this light has traveled through all of time just to reach you. Those photons, they’re not hitting anyone else, they’re meant for you. You’re looking back through time. It’s like a form of time travel. I really believe in helping people connect with the universe on a deeper level.

Aislyn: With the eclipse coming up, and so many people being part of it in a way we haven’t seen before, do you think we’ll see a shift in a lot of people’s perspectives?

Scott: Oh, absolutely. It definitely happens. When they experience something like that, they think, 'Wow, I want more of this.' They’ve had this profound moment, and now they want to make sense of it, to connect the dots. It’s like, 'Okay, what are your thoughts on this now?'

Aislyn: They crave more.

Scott: Exactly. It’s like a thirst. It’s almost like a religious awakening, like they've been baptized. Suddenly, they feel the need to share it with others. You can see it in their faces, in their eyes—the awe is real. They've truly witnessed something that shakes them, something awe-inspiring.

Aislyn: Yeah. Definitely. I mean, we say—

Scott: And that’s a good thing.

Aislyn: It sounds like a great idea, and honestly, I think it’s something we really need as a society right now—something to bring us together in that way.

Scott: Absolutely. It's interesting you bring that up, because with all the problems in the world today, people are constantly overwhelmed by the chaos. And yes, all these things are happening, but what’s also true is that there are—I'm not going to call it a miracle, because miraculous things happen every day—but people are so numb to it now.

But you can teach yourself to appreciate the simple, immediate things around you. It’s really sad because most people spend so much time focused on their differences and how things are happening to them, which makes them feel disconnected. This, I believe, is why so many people live in a state of constant frustration. They go, 'Yeah, today was okay, this happened, that person got on my nerves,' but it’s like, you should be jumping for joy, shouting, 'I’m alive!'

Aislyn: The sun rose today!

Scott: Yes, it did! Do you even realize the magnitude of that?!

Aislyn: I know, right? Oh wow. I should seriously put a Post-it on my computer that says, 'The sun rose today. No complaints allowed.'

Scott: Exactly. No complaints at all.

Aislyn: So, it’s been mentioned a lot that Texas is the best spot in the United States to view this eclipse. How did they come to that conclusion?

Scott: We used a website called Eclipseophile, where all the eclipse chasers gather information. They analyze what's called fractional cloud cover data. Eclipseophile has done a fantastic job of collecting cloud cover statistics over the past 20 years. After crunching those numbers, it turns out that southern Texas has the highest chances of clear skies for the eclipse, at least in the U.S. That’s why everyone’s heading there.

As for us, we’re heading to San Antonio. From there, we’ll drive west for a couple of hours to a small town called Leakey, Texas. We’ll be staying on a private ranch. My plan is to bring Barbara Jean, the vintage Airstream, with us. We'll have a Starlink internet connection and a catering service coming all the way from Florida, specifically for astronomy events like this one.

Aislyn: Wait, what? You can actually hire a caterer for a star party? That’s awesome!

Scott: I know, right? They totally get what amateur astronomers want. It's going to be a blast. And, yeah, we’ll be out there at the exact same location where the annular eclipse of 2023 occurred. So, we're literally going to be standing on the same patch of earth where those two eclipses will cross paths.

Aislyn: That’s so cool.

Scott: Yeah, it’s amazing. The people who witnessed that eclipse are definitely coming back for this total one.

Aislyn: So, if someone is in this situation where they’re like, 'I haven’t planned anything yet,' where would you recommend they go?

Scott: I’d say, come with me to Texas, for sure.

Aislyn: Sounds good! Can I be part of your ranch crew?

Scott: Absolutely, you can join! There’s still space available. We’re keeping it affordable. If you head over to Explore Scientific’s website—not Explorer, but explorescientific.com/eclipse—you’ll find the Crossroads of the Eclipses Star Party event.

Aislyn: Oh, cool. I’ll check it out.

Scott: Just click the link, grab your ticket, and you’ll be at one of the best spots in the whole country to witness it.

Aislyn: So, practically speaking, what do you need to view an eclipse? How do you prepare for it? Do you need special equipment? What's the best way to watch one?

Scott: You’ll need these right here. Eclipse glasses. When you’re viewing your first eclipse, most eclipse chasers will tell you, ‘Look, for your first one, because…’—they always emphasize the first one, knowing full well it won’t be your last. After seeing one, you’ll want to chase them all.

Aislyn: Got it.

Scott: Exactly. It’s highly addictive. And it can get expensive too. I’ve had friends spend tens of thousands of dollars traveling to see eclipses. Just getting to one is rare and tricky. You can even buy eclipse glasses from me, and you’ll find everything you need. But most eclipse chasers will tell you, for your first one, just experience it.

Aislyn: OK. Don’t overthink it then.

Scott: Don’t overpack with camera equipment. Avoid over-preparing. Since this is your first eclipse, you’ll be inexperienced and likely too focused on capturing the perfect photo. Later on, I’d recommend trying to get those shots, but for your first eclipse, all you need are some affordable eclipse glasses. Just make sure they have the proper ISO rating on them.

Aislyn: Got it.

Scott: Also, ensure they’re safe for use. We’re listed on the American Astronomical Society’s website, the official organization for professional astronomers. So, we’ve been vetted and are a trusted source for eclipse glasses. We test them to guarantee their safety.

Scott: These glasses can be folded up for easy storage. You can also download free apps on your phone to help track when the first contact of the eclipse happens and when to put on your glasses, among other things.

Scott: If you're with a group like ours, I'll call out, ‘OK, everyone, put your eclipse glasses on.’ To do this, look down at the ground first, then slowly move your head up so you can feel the warmth of the sun. By the feel of the warmth, you’ll know you’ve found the sun, and you’ll see it as a ball. It won’t fill the entire glasses view, but you’ll recognize it’s the sun. It’ll look about as big as the moon does with the naked eye in the sky.

As the eclipse progresses, you’ll notice the sun slowly getting covered. It’s a gradual process, especially at first contact. You’ll see it happening, but it feels like a slow march. You might glance up and think, ‘It’s only a little bit covered.’ Then, you might take a break—drink some water, chat with friends, and check again. Each time you look, more and more of the sun is obscured. Eventually, when it's nearly complete, everyone’s in awe, almost hypnotized by the sight. The remaining sliver of the sun creates a thin line, and around the edge of the moon, you’ll start to see tiny dots of light. Those are called Baily’s Beads, which occur as sunlight filters through the mountains on the moon’s surface.

Aislyn: Wow, that’s incredible.

Scott: It’s mesmerizing. It’s so beautiful to watch, and the little spots twinkle like stars. Then, just when you think it can’t get more magical, everything suddenly goes dark because you’re wearing your eclipse glasses. Many people forget to remove them at this point.

Aislyn: Oh no!

Scott: Yeah, they think they need to keep the glasses on the whole time, but you actually don’t. It’s a common mistake!

Aislyn: But then, once—

Scott: That’s when you can take off your glasses and look up at it directly, OK.

Aislyn: Wow. That’s amazing.

Scott: Now, you’ll witness the stunning corona. It’s usually invisible to us, but it’s always there. You might also catch sight of prominences, which look like giant, fiery arcs shooting off the sun, frozen in time. It doesn’t turn completely dark; instead, the sky turns into this deep, dark blue. If you look carefully, you might spot some nearby planets, like Jupiter. It’ll be visible with the naked eye. And during this time, a comet will be hanging near Jupiter, but it will be much dimmer compared to the sun’s brightness, so you probably won’t catch it without a telescope.

Aislyn: Got it.

Scott: It’ll be an amazing experience, and you’ll actually feel the temperature drop as it happens, OK.

Aislyn: Oh, definitely. Yeah.

Scott: Exactly. And since we’re in Texas, there’s a lot of wildlife around us. The animals will sense it’s either time to sleep or, if they’re nocturnal, time to wake up. And they’ll make this shift in just a matter of seconds.

Aislyn: So, you just get this complete quiet all of a sudden?

Scott: Yes, yes. Or you might start hearing sounds you only hear in the night.

Aislyn: Wow. That’s incredible.

Scott: Exactly. And then, there’s this phenomenon called shadow bands. They’re caused by sunlight interacting with our atmosphere. It’s a mesmerizing sight. You’ll have about four minutes and 20 seconds of it here in Texas. The further north you go, the shorter the time, but you’ll still have some time to experience it if the skies are clear anywhere in the U.S.

Scott: Following that, you’ll see what’s called Baily’s Beads. Right after, or sometimes at the start of the eclipse, you’ll witness the diamond ring effect. It’s that final burst of sunlight peeking from the edge of the moon, and it’s absolutely stunning. This is often the breathtaking climax of the eclipse. And just as you’re marveling at it, the light gets bright enough that you’ll need to put your glasses back on.

Aislyn: Oh yeah, time to put the glasses back on.

Scott: Definitely. Then you’ll witness the last stages of the eclipse. But expect to hear people gasping, and some might even be in tears.

Aislyn: Wow, that’s incredible!

Scott: Yeah, it really is that profound. I’m honestly thrilled to experience it again, and I can’t wait for you to see it too. It’s one of those moments you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.

Aislyn: Amazing! So, you mentioned you’ll be bringing Barbara Jean, your Airstream. I’m curious, did eclipses inspire you to get the Airstream and start traveling, or was there something else behind that decision?

Scott: No, eclipses weren’t the main reason. I’m actually a telescope maker and designer. I attend a lot of astronomy events, but I also wanted to simplify my life. I reached a point where I realized I didn’t want all the stuff I had. So, I downsized and made it possible to live out of an Airstream.

Aislyn: That’s incredible!

Scott: It was an amazing experience. It felt incredibly freeing to unload everything and then travel with your home right there with you, wherever you go.

Aislyn: How long did it take you to get everything set up? It sounds like you pretty much overhauled the entire thing.

Scott: It actually took a couple of years to get everything just right.

Aislyn: Did you work on it while you were traveling, or did you do it gradually over time?

Scott: No, no, I hired someone to do the work, but it was all based on my design. I found a guy through the person who did the major Airstream work, someone who specialized in installing luxury jet interiors. The result was custom, high-quality aluminum wraps and curves unique to every Airstream, and he built all the bespoke cabinetry.

I knew from the start I wanted a larger bathroom with plenty of counter space for my computers and other essentials. Right now, it’s daytime, but if it were nighttime, I'd show you how the lighting in here can shift from bright white to a softer red light.

Aislyn: Oh, that sounds cool. Got it.

Scott: Astronomers need red lighting to preserve their night vision. So, I also have a microwave drawer built in—everything stays neatly tucked away, and I can easily heat up coffee, hot chocolate, or whatever. Plus, all the cabinets have locks, like the kind you’d see on a boat.

I had friends who worked with boats for years, and they told me that driving this Airstream down the road feels like a level-five earthquake the whole time. Things are bound to break, and you need to be ready to fix them. I’ve had to make repairs on this Airstream too, but overall, it’s been surprisingly tough and dependable. Keep in mind, this is a 50-year-old Airstream.

Aislyn: Wow, that’s impressive.

And it’s in great shape—easily good for another 50 years of use.

Aislyn: What drew you to an Airstream? And why do you think they hold such appeal for so many people?

Scott: Well, let me share my Airstream story. I’ve always been fascinated by Airstreams. My mom, Barbara Jean, had a bit of a nomadic spirit—she was always on the move. She would’ve loved this Airstream. Imagine waking up in the Florida Keys, watching the sunrise, with a view that’s uniquely yours.

People always talk about the freedom of taking your home with you, and the sense of belonging to a community. But when you’re towing one of these, it’s different from just hauling a regular trailer.

When people spot it, they look at it and think, ‘Wow, that’s an Airstream.’ It stirs something inside them—kind of like when you see a telescope. It sparks ideas of exploring space. When you see an Airstream on the road, you can’t help but imagine the adventures that await. And people—

Aislyn: It’s hilarious. An Airstream has this unique, iconic vibe that you just don’t get from a typical RV. Normally, you’d say, ‘OK, it’s an RV,’ but with an Airstream, it’s like—yeah, this is something special.

Scott: Exactly. You wouldn’t see families taking selfies in front of just any old trailer, right? But with an Airstream? That’s a different story. It’s that kind of feeling.

Aislyn: I love that.

Scott: Yeah, and I get stopped all the time by people asking about it. They want to know why I chose an Airstream and how they can get their own.

Aislyn: How many eclipses have you and Barbara Jean seen together?

Scott: Well, with Barbara Jean, just one so far.

Aislyn: So this will be your second one then.

Scott: Yeah, that would’ve been the 2017 eclipse in Casper, Wyoming.

Aislyn: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your Airstream experiences, your work, or why eclipses are worth seeing?

Scott: You absolutely should witness this total eclipse if you're in the Americas or Mexico. Actually, Mexico might have better weather than the U.S. for this event, so that's definitely something to consider. Check out eclipse websites, attend star parties, and just get out there! Stop dreaming about owning an Airstream one day—just go get one! Go for it.

Aislyn: And make sure to visit a star party.

Scott: Or head to a national park, or just do something you love. Because once you do it, you’ll be thinking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner? Why didn’t I take this trip earlier? Why didn’t I hit the road before?” Time is ticking. You’ve got this incredible thing called life, but you won’t be able to take those long trips when you’re 90.

And honestly, I think everyone should own a telescope. It's a vital tool for exploring your own universe. We all have a universe to explore on a personal level, right? A telescope, a microscope, and a pair of binoculars are essential for anyone living on Earth. Enjoy the journey and don't take life too seriously. I believe doing things that make you happy will add years to your life—and they’ll be good years.

Aislyn: You seem truly content.

Scott: I am. Take it all in. Wake up and start realizing that you live on this tiny, pale blue dot. We’re incredibly lucky to be here. The conditions that support life could be out there somewhere in the universe, but so far, Earth is the only place where we know life exists.

Aislyn: A beautiful way to wrap things up. Thank you. It was such a pleasure meeting you.

Scott: Likewise.

Aislyn: I appreciate you showing me your Airstream.

Scott: My pleasure.

Aislyn: Thank you, Scott! If you’re as excited as I am about witnessing this solar eclipse, we’ll provide a link to his Explore Scientific website, as well as the trip he’s organizing, in the show notes. If you've already got plans, drop us a line to let us know which part of North America you’ll be visiting at unpacked@Dinogo.com. And for a peek at his Airstream, you can find a photo on Dinogo’s social media or subscribe to our Behind the Mic newsletter (link in the show notes).

Hungry for more? Head over to Dinogo.com and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X @Dinogomedia. If you loved today’s journey, don’t forget to subscribe for more incredible stories. And while you’re at it, please rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform—it helps fellow adventurers find us. Have a question or an idea for a future topic? Reach us anytime at Dinogo.com/feedback or via email at unpacked@Dinogo.com.

You’ve been listening to Unpacked, brought to you by Dinogo Media. This episode was produced by Aislyn Greene and Nikki Galteland, with music composed by Chris Colin. And remember: The world may be complex, but we’re here to help you unpack it.