In selecting a location along the track for observation of the event the single most important criteria are the prospective weather conditions at the time of the eclipse.

Whilst it is never possible to guarantee weather, it is sensible to choose a place with the lowest reasonable likelihood of the event being clouded out.

The 2008 event poses yet another challenge for potential observers. Weather prospects over Canada and the Pole offer little better than a 10% prospect of a clear sky. As the track crosses the coast of Siberia conditions begin to improve, with prospects becoming quite dramatically better as the shadow reaches the Gobi Desert region.

As the graph below shows, this is by far the best location on the track.