The July 22nd total solar eclipse was the longest of the 21st century . From the point of maximum eclipse along the Moon's shadow track across the Pacific Ocean, the Moon completely blocked the Sun for a total of 6 minutes and 39 seconds. But from the deck of this cruise ship the duration of the total eclipse phase was extended to a whopping 6 minutes and 42 seconds by the ship's motion along the shadow track. This panoramic view of the scene shows the shimmering solar corona in a darkened daytime sky, with clouds silhouetted by a bright sky on the distant horizon, beyond the Moon's shadow . Mercury can be seen near the eclipsed Sun. Venus lies near the upper right edge of the frame.
30 July 2009
6 Minutes 42 Seconds
