New Hampshire Man Turns Dodge Challenger Into Solar Eclipse Viewing Platform

Rik Yeames, a 64-year-old pizza franchise owner from Concord, New Hampshire, is not your average Dodge Challenger enthusiast. While many may admire Dodge’s two-door muscle car for its sleek lines, Yeames sees his 2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD as more than just a vehicle – it’s the world’s only Eclipsemobile. Passionate about solar eclipses, Yeames has meticulously transformed his Challenger into a rolling tribute to celestial wonder.

Yeames’ fascination with astronomy traces back to his childhood, but it was a transformative experience in 2017 that ignited his fever. “Other than the birth of my kids,” he recalls, “it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. You’re watching one heavenly body pass another!” From that moment on, he was determined to immerse himself in the world of eclipses.

With the next total solar eclipse slated for Monday, April 8, 2024, spanning from Texas to Maine, Yeames wasted no time in preparing for the event. In the interim, he took his Challenger to eclipse-related events across the country in 2022 and 2023, spreading his passion for celestial phenomena wherever he went.

“When they came out with the first NASA Solar Eclipse Ambassador program, I was one of the first to apply for it,” says Yeames, highlighting his dedication to spreading knowledge about eclipses. “Now, if you wanted to, you could use binoculars or take a picture of the eclipse sun.”

Recognizing the importance of safety during eclipse viewing, especially for children, Yeames has one more project in store for The Eclipsemobile. He plans to add darker glass to the moonroof, allowing occupants to safely observe eclipses from the comfort of their car, without the need for specialized eye protection.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that plunges a miles-wide path into darkness for several minutes. While the frequency of total eclipses averages every 18 months worldwide, the rarity of witnessing one in a specific location can span decades or even centuries.

After the upcoming April event, New Hampshire won’t witness another total eclipse until May 2079. Ever the forward-thinker, Yeames is organizing a time capsule to be opened on that date. Packed with solar memorabilia, including Eclipse rum from Barbados and a copy of The Eclipsemobile’s license plate, the capsule will serve as a testament to Yeames’ enduring passion.

Yeames’ enthusiasm for eclipses extends beyond his modified sunroof. Every inch of The Eclipsemobile serves as an educational tool, with informative displays adorning its exterior. The trunk hood showcases the celestial wonders visible during an eclipse, including planets like Jupiter and Venus, while the main hood features an eclipse logo with key details about totality.

Source: AAA Explorer Magazine / CBS Boston