It's about being able to look right at it with the naked eye, and seeing the corona. Only totality lets you do that.
The other part that I don't hear mentioned much, which requires a good viewpoint on flat terrain, is the 360 degree sunrise effect on the horizon. You are surrounded by it. That was pretty amazing too. I'd imagine it'd be amazing from say an airplane or ship at sea.
My wife and I are planning to go to Iceland in August 2026 to see the next eclipse. The very center of the path doesn't go over land, although you still get totality if you are on one of the westernmost peninsulas. I'm honestly hoping to get on a boat and view it from the best spot 10ish miles off the coast.
The other part that I don't hear mentioned much, which requires a good viewpoint on flat terrain, is the 360 degree sunrise effect on the horizon. You are surrounded by it. That was pretty amazing too. I'd imagine it'd be amazing from say an airplane or ship at sea.
My wife and I are planning to go to Iceland in August 2026 to see the next eclipse. The very center of the path doesn't go over land, although you still get totality if you are on one of the westernmost peninsulas. I'm honestly hoping to get on a boat and view it from the best spot 10ish miles off the coast.