Lights out down under for solar eclipse Thousands gather in
Australia to witness total solar eclipse Tens of thousands of
tourists, scientists and amateur astronomers gathered Wednesday
along Australia's northern tip to witness a rare total solar
eclipse. For just two eerie minutes in the early hours of the
morning local time, the country -- known for its blistering
sunshine -- was plunged into a chilly darkness. Onlookers
gathered at vantage points on beaches, in boats and even hot air
balloons to catch a glimpse of the celestial light show which,
according to NASA, is unlikely to be seen again in the same
region for another 360 years. A solar eclipse happens when the
moon, as it orbits Earth, passes directly in front of the sun,
obscuring its rays and casting a shadow on Earth's surface.
Sometimes referred to as a "happy accident of nature," a total
solar eclipse occurs when the moon is perfectly aligned with
both the sun and Earth, so it appears from our perspective that
the sun is completely blocked. Copy