Solar Eclipse Spectacular Impresses Asia

Six minutes and 39 seconds – not usually a long time but it’s the longest solar eclipse witnessed for 100 years.

Beginning at dawn in India, tens of thousands gathered for a dip in the Ganges to pray to the sun, as it emerged from behind the moon. Hundreds of enthusiasts wearing goggles catch a glimpse of the phenomenon.

In China, emotions ran high among those gathered along a river bank in Chongqing city.

[Jian Tian, Chongqing Resident]:
“It is a miraculous experience. The moment the total eclipse occurred, I was struck emotionally. I felt like I couldn’t look through my glasses and had to witness this magnificent natural phenomenon with the naked eye.”

In Shanghai, dark clouds left the sky overcast, dampening the mood for those all prepared to view the eclipse. But many braved the rain to experience the sky turning from light to pitch darkness in minutes.

[Yang Xingyu, Shanghai Resident]:
„Of course it’s disappointing to not have seen an eclipse that only happens once every 300 years. Even though we didn’t see the sun, we experienced darkness during the day.“

Those in the southern islands of Japan had better luck with the weather. As the moon slowly covered the sun, excitement grew.

[Tatsuya Miyakoshi, Witness]:
“It almost made me cry. My legs were shaking.“

The next total eclipse will occur in July 2010, making landfall only on the Cook and Easter Islands in the South Pacific Ocean.

(NTDTV)