Total Solar Eclipse 2012: Watch Live and Online the Eclipse Only a Few Australians Will Witness

Impact

Today, a total solar eclipse will take place over northern Australia all the way to the western South American coast. The eclipse will last approximately 4 minutes during which the Moon will completely block the Sun turning day into darkness.  

According to National Geographic, the eclipse’s travel path will be about 9,000 miles along Earth’s surface, and its duration will be from 5:45 a.m. (AEST) to 7:40 a.m. At approximately 6:30 a.m. (local Australian time), citizens of Cairs will be among the few privileged that will have the chance to see the complete spectacle (if only, for a total of two minutes). However, for those with an internet connection, NASA will be hosting an online live feed, with coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. (ET).   

This will be the first total solar eclipse in two years, but two partial eclipses will follow it next year. On May 10, an annular or "ring of fire" will also be visible from Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Gilbert Islands. And on November 3, a "hybrid" solar eclipse (basically the combination of a total and a partial solar eclipses) will make landfall in parts of Africa (Gabon, Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia).

From PolicyMic's Shawna Gillen:

"This rare phenomenon is certainly a spectacle for any sky viewer fortunate enough to live along the path. The eclipse will be visible to the Pacific Australian coast and the open ocean Wednesday morning (Tuesday afternoon in the U.S.). Although the event will only be visible to Australians, everyone around the world can watch a live feed online and participate in the excitement."