A sad farewell for the eclipse world

A farewell to the eclipse community has just been published by Fred Espenak, known as Mr. Eclipse. (A search on his name will yield information on his fascinating life.) He wrote:

Dear Friends.

I want to share some sad news.

I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) five years ago. I did not have any significant symptoms until last year. That changed dramatically in 2025 and my health has rapidly deteriorated.

I have spent the last two weeks in a Phoenix hospital undergoing exhaustive testing to determine whether I am a candidate for a lung transplant. Unfortunately, my IPF has progressed too far for a transplant.

I expect to be placed into hospice care tomorrow and will probably be gone in a few days or less.

But I cannot complain. I have had a marvelous life of eclipses, astronomy, a NASA career, and my wonderful wife Pat, the greatest love of my life.

I have made so many good friends [through] SEML and through eclipse chasing.

I wish those I leave behind many more years of clear eclipses and awe for the heavens.

Farewell,

Fred

6 Likes