Few scientists, some thrill-seekers and uncountable penguins witnessed as a total solar eclipse plunged Antarctica from summer into darkness. This was a very rare astronomical spectacle.
University of Santiago de Chile professor Raul Cordero exclaimed that the visibility was excellent. Cordero has witnessed in scene in “totality” at 0746 GMT. He has also witnessed the “ring of fire” phase that has only lasted for 40 seconds.
Solar eclipse happens as Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and Moon casts its shadow on Earth. For a total eclipse, the Sun, the Earth and the Moon has to be aligned in one line.
The total eclipse was only visible from Antarctica only. This spectacular scene was only witnessed by a very few scientists, experts and adventure tourists. These adventure tourists have paid $40,000 individually to witness it.
The eclipse was streamed live by NASA from the Union Glacier camp in Antarctica. The eclipse started at 0700 GMT. At that time the Moon began to move in front of the Sun. It ended at 0806 GMT.
At about 1,000 kilometres north of the South Pole, the Union Glacier camp is situated.
NASA said, a partial eclipse was also visible from southern hemisphere, which includes Saint Helena, Namibia, Lesotho, New Zealand and Australia.
The last total solar eclipse happened in Antarctica in 2003 and the next one will probably take place in 2039.
