Anyway, should you happen to be a Volvo XC60 owner over in the US, you have no such concerns. You simply slide on outside to your SUV, clamber in and watch the whole spectacular show through the standard-fit moonroof (or, as we'd call it here in Ireland, the panoramic roof). Although you'll need a rather nifty bit of kit first of all.
On August 21, there's going to be a total eclipse that runs a path through Oregon, Idaho, Nebraska, Missouri and South Carolina (among other states) and if there's a selected Volvo retailer along the eclipse's route, then owners can get hold of an XC60 Panoramic Moonroof Eclipse Viewer. There's a limited number of the viewers available and dealers on the shadow's path have priority on the available resources.
The Panoramic Moonroof Eclipse Viewer (brilliant name) allows XC60 customers to view the solar event safely and comfortably from the cabin of the Volvo, as the viewer is made of ISO-certified 12312-2 material (yes, we've heard of that stuff before... er... OK, we haven't) and features a magnetised frame to attach to the XC60's roof. Such is the size of the moonroof that all five occupants will be able to get a great view of the event.
"The development of the XC60 Panoramic Moonroof Eclipse Viewer gives those in the eclipse's path a unique way to experience this historic event in both comfort and safety," said Bob Jacobs, vice-president of Marketing, Product and Brand Communications, Volvo Car USA. "For those not in the path of totality, we will live-stream the eclipse in virtual reality and 4K high-resolution, 360 degree video."
Anything else?
So, you can't make it over to the States and hire an XC60 in time to view the eclipse? No worries. As Bob Jacobs says above, Volvo's 'Racing The Sun' campaign will broadcast the 2017 total solar eclipse in 4K high-resolution, 360 degree video and, for the first time, in immersive virtual reality. More on that programme can be found on the Racing the Sun website.
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