Solar Eclipse in Australia

Posted:

AUSTRALIA (WKOW) -- A very rare scientific occurrence is about to happen in Australia. Residents are already camping out to catch a glimpse of a total solar eclipse.

The eclipse is expected to plunge parts of Queensland into darkness for just over two minutes on Wednesday morning. Cloudy weather could hamper viewers efforts at seeing the phenomenon.

A partial eclipse would be visible from other parts of the region, including New Zealand and eastern Indonesia. However northern Australia is the only area in the eclipse's direct path. The total eclipse will be most clearly visible in Cairns, while areas such as Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney will also see partial eclipses. A total solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, is a rare occurrence, and animals have been known to react to the sudden darkness with confusion.

Scientists will be using underwater cameras at the Great Barrier Reef to capture creatures' reactions to the eclipse.

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