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