I am tentatively planning a vacation in northern Spain to see the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse. So....
1. I am considering hauling my Oberwerk BT100 SD binocular telescope, with filters of course, on the trip. I have hard case but wouldn't really consider checking that on the flight and know that the BT100, which is 20 inches in length, would have to go into overhead compartment in some sort of carry bag. I'd also bring my Manfrotto 475B tripod and 608 fluid head, both which would fit nicely in photo lighting case I have (an $8 craiglist special find). Any thoughts on what I should think about? I know that the view wouldn't be appreciably better than in, say, a 7 x 50 bino, but I am kind of dying to get to use the rig for something like this. I also know that I'd incur extra costs for checking the gear.
2. Any of our Spanish brethren have any thoughts on a good location? It's a sunset eclipse so clear views of the western horizon are needed. I know some coastal locations would work, but we also want to consider something like the Burgos area, which I think is wine country with hills that might afford a good view.
Any thoughts would be appreciated?
Tim
