solar eclipse

Total eclipse of the Australian heart

Total eclipse of the Australian heart

15 photos

The second solar eclipse of 2012 occured above northern Australia just moments ago giving thousands of observers in Queensland an early morning treat. The 2 minute and 5 second total eclipse welcomed the day as the moon crossed in front of the Sun just 14° above the eastern horizon.

Previously this year, the western U.S. was treated to a ‘ring of fire‘ eclipse in May. Today’s events came a decade after Australia’s last solar eclipse and were the first in the region in over 1,300 years.
More →

Sunday’s solar eclipse burned, burned, burned, like a ring of fire

Sunday’s solar eclipse burned, burned, burned, like a ring of fire

31 photos

The western region of the United States and other countries along the Pacific rim caught a glimpse of the first solar eclipse of the year on Sunday. While, 2011 saw a handful of partial solar eclipses, spectators got to see what’s called an annular eclipse, or a so-called “ring of fire.” This occurs when the moon, appearing slightly smaller than the sun, passes before it to create an annulus, or ring, in the sky.

More →