万花筒 2008-08-03&-08-04 中俄境内观测到日全食（在线收听）

Reuters.

Thousands gathered in Novosibirsk in Siberia to see a rare solar eclipse. With eye protection and some looking through specially shielded telescopes, they waited until the moment the sun began to disappear in the middle of the day. A total solar eclipse like this happens when the moon moves between the sun and the earth, casting a giant shadow. These shots from NASA show the moment the sun was completely blocked out.

This eclipse started in Canada, before tracking across Greenland and then into Siberia before moving towards China. Eclipse is reviewed as dangerous omens by ancient Chinese astronomers and this one comes exactly a week before the Olympics open in Beijing. And in the Chinese Capital, hundreds gathered on the spot where the eclipse came to an end. It was also visible in London. There only 12% of the sun was blocked out, making eye protection extra important. Solar eclipse is as fascinating as they are rare. The next will occur in a year's time in parts of India and China.

Andrew Porter, Reuters.