Probably a typo. I do that all the time. My command of English grammar is excellent but sometimes gets jumbled between my brain and the keyboard. That's why it's so important to have a separate pair of eyes do the proofreading.
It appears in this case the author was undecided whether to say "to view the eclipse" or "a view of the eclipse". He may have written it one way in the rough draft and goofed when he changed it.
Good analysis. Thanks!