Total Eclipse Throws a Path of Darkness Across the Southern Hemisphere

A total solar eclipse extinguished the southern hemisphere's summer sunshine yesterday as the lunar shadow raced across the Atlantic ocean and southern Africa before vanishing over Australia.

Astronomers and the curious occupied vantage points in several countries to observe the moon blot out the sun, briefly turning day into night and chilling the balmy warmth.

Rhengu Baloyi, 15, watching from Musina, in South Africa,said: "For a moment I thought our lives were going to be endangered."

The eclipse reached Africa in the early morning, heading eastward over Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa before heading out to the Indian ocean at Xai-Xai in Mozambique. Southern Africa's last total solar eclipse was 28 years ago.

At its peak yesterday's eclipse blocked the sun for two minutes.

Peering from behind mirrored sunglasses, Ben, a self-professed raver from Cape Town, had partied all night in preparation for a moment which would change everything. He said: "Life is never going to be the same after this."

South Africa's tourist authorities were less effusive but hoped the event would compensate for headlines about attacks on tourists and lighten the heart of darkness.

Armed rangers patrolled viewing sites just to be safe and hotels, game lodges and national parks arranged festivals. Some complained that business did not match the hype.

After travelling to the Kruger National Park, Gavin Hochfelden, an investment banker and amateur astronomer, did not bother using his telescope because of the clouds.

Wildlife experts had said the darkness would prompt some animals to bed down for the night but its short duration and the presence of thousands of humans persuaded most animals to stay awake.

The response in Zimbabwe was reportedly muted, with farmers in fields pausing only briefly to gaze upwards.

Astronomers and new age worshippers shared a beach at Ceduna on the south Australian coast to watch the eclipse. Its totality was the cue for applause and some claimed the ocean calmed. Sydney's dozens of bushfires wreathed the sun as the moon crept across its face.