Tens of thousands of tourists and locals gaped skyward Tuesday as a total eclipse of the sun darkened the heavens over Chile and Argentina.
Tourists from around the world gathered to witness the cosmic spectacle, which began in the morning as the moon crossed in front of the sun and cast a shadow that passed over a tiny uninhabited atoll in the South Pacific and headed to South America. Chile and Argentina were the only inhabited places where the total eclipse could be seen.
The last total eclipse was Aug. 21, 2017, over the United States. It was considered spectacular and known as the "Great American Solar Eclipse." The next three total solar eclipses all take place in the southern hemisphere on Dec. 14, 2020, Dec. 21, 2021 and April 20, 2023.
The next total solar eclipse in the northern hemisphere will be April 8, 2024, with a very long path directly over the United States from Texas to New England. There will also be several partial and annular solar eclipses during the next five years.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and sun, blocking the sun’s rays to the observer on the ground. The skies will turn dark, temperatures will drop and animals are known to act strangely.