<p><br /> Thousands of people in the South Pacific region were among the lucky few who were able to witness a total solar eclipse.<br /> </p><p><br /> The blackout occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking its rays and casting a shadow.<br /> </p><p><br /> The eclipse started about 700 kilometres south-east of Tonga, and reaching French Polynesia, Easter Island and parts of mainland Chile.<br /> </p><p><br /> The time of greatest eclipse occurred over open water, lasting about five minutes. On Easter Island, thousands of tourists doubled its population, just for this event.<br /> </p><p><br /> Clouds that had threatened to spoil the moment dispersed minutes before the eclipse.<br /> </p><p><br /> Scientists recommend that people wear special viewing glasses during a total solar eclipse and avoid looking directly with the naked eye.<br /> </p><p><br /> The next total solar eclipse will occur in November 2012 and will be visible from northern Australia and the South Pacific.<br /> </p>
