Total solar eclipse above a ridge, with a reservoir in the distance

About

An international collaboration following total solar eclipses.

Solar Wind Sherpas brings together scientists, engineers and observers to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere and the origins of the solar wind. Led by solar physicist Dr. Shadia Habbal, the collaboration takes portable observatories to the path of totality around the world.

31years of eclipse research
21expeditions
40+peer-reviewed publications

Founder

Dr. Shadia R. Habbal

Shadia Habbal founded Solar Wind Sherpas and leads its scientific work. Her research explores the solar corona and its connection to the solar wind, bringing together field observations, specialized instruments and collaborators across expeditions.

Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaiʻi

Our Story

Solar Wind Sherpas began as a field science effort: take instruments into the path of totality, measure the solar corona, and keep building on what each eclipse reveals.

When: 1995 — first campaign on the expedition record
Who: Founded and led by solar physicist Dr. Shadia R. Habbal
Purpose: Study the Sun’s outer atmosphere and the origins of the solar wind from portable observatories placed under totality
The name: “Sherpas” points to the expedition work itself: moving heavy optics, preparing sites, and helping one another make the most of a few minutes of darkness.

Red expedition tent and instruments on a coastal gravel site

Ben calibrating instruments inside a field tent

Large expedition group in red shirts in front of field vehicles

Petr, Jana and a teammate on horseback among mountain trees

Jana working under a cloth at an instrument, with horses nearby

Cerro Tololo observatory landscape under a bright sun

Jana adjusting a multi-camera rig in the field

Total solar eclipse above silhouetted cameras and telescopes in the field

Solar Wind Sherpas team in matching blue shirts posing in a grassy field

Field computers glowing in a darkened operations tent before totality

Shadia Habbal working alone at a field site in the distance

Ben and Martina speaking on stage with an eclipse slide behind them

Team portrait on a grassy ridge with a telescope beside them

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The People Behind the Sherpas

The team changes from one expedition to the next. Each campaign brings together the scientists, engineers and observers needed for its instruments and observing sites. Between eclipses, work continues through instrument preparation, data processing and scientific analysis.

Building the instruments
Developing, adapting and testing the systems used to observe the corona.
Working in the field
Preparing observing sites, calibrating equipment and recording data during totality.
Turning data into knowledge
Processing observations, interpreting the measurements and preparing scientific publications.

Miloslav Druckmüller among telescope mounts on a ridge at golden hour

Eight expedition members in blue shirts at a field camp with tents

Sage, Luke and Carlos in matching expedition shirts in Canatlán

Large expedition group in red shirts gathered in front of field vehicles

Team selfie with expedition luggage at an airport arrivals hall

Petr and Matěj behind a dense array of cameras prepared for totality

Team in cold-weather parkas and life vests aboard a research vessel

Red expedition tent and instruments on a coastal gravel observing site

Meet the Burgos 2026 expedition team

Our Actions

We bring solar research into the field and share the science of eclipses with the communities we meet.

A Solar Wind Sherpas team member studies an eclipse image on a camera in the field

Scientific Research

We use specialized instruments to study the solar corona. By analyzing its light, we investigate its temperature, structure and connection to the solar wind, adding observations that complement those made by space-based observatories.

Explore the science

Telescopes set up on a ridge in Spain at sunset, ready for eclipse observations

Eclipse Expeditions

Observing a total solar eclipse starts long before totality. We select observing sites, prepare instruments and bring people and equipment into the field, ready to make the most of a brief opportunity to study the corona.

Explore our latest expedition

An evening public talk in a village square, with a lunar eclipse projected for the audience

Education & Outreach

We share eclipse science with communities where our expeditions take us. Through talks and educational activities, we explain what happens during an eclipse, introduce our research and help people understand how to observe the event safely.

Partners

Partners & Supporters

The work of the Sherpas is supported through scientific collaboration, funding, technical contributions and help in the field. These relationships contribute to different stages of the research and to specific expeditions.

Scientific collaborationPartner institutions contribute researchers, analysis and shared observing programmes that strengthen the science behind each campaign.
Research fundingGrants and sponsored programmes help cover instruments, travel and the long analysis work that continues between eclipses.
Instruments and field supportTechnical partners and field collaborators supply equipment, logistics and on-site help that make portable observatories possible.

Take Action

Be part of the journey.

Support Our Work

Help make eclipse science possible.

Support the expeditions, instruments and research that deepen our understanding of the Sun.

Expeditions · Data analysis · Instrumentation · Early-career researchers

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Contact

Start a conversation.

Interested in supporting the project, exploring a collaboration or asking a question? Get in touch.

contact@solarwindsherpas.com