The solar eclipse that will be happening today (22 July 2009 +8.00 GMT) will be one of those much waiting celestial phenomenon, a Total Solar Eclipse. Today’s Total Solar Eclipse will be seen to occur in Shanghai (the best viewpoint) from 8.25 am, and the there will be a total eclipse for a duration of 6 minutes and 47 seconds. Hence, this Total Solar Eclipse is named the Eclipse of the Century.

During an eclipse, the Sun, the Earth and the Moon are lined in a straight line, and the Sun seems to be overshadowed by a circular object, the Moon. Without the Sun’s light, the sky darkens enough for stars to be seen and the corona makes a spectacular halo around the Moon.

Today’s eclipse is remarkable in that it is unusually long, the longest eclipse of the century. However, poor weather was expected to spoil the view in Shanghai, initially thought by scientists to be one of the best spots to watch the eclipse.

The next total solar eclipse will be on July 11 next year, but far fewer people are likely to see it as it tracks across the South Pacific over French Polynesia and Easter Island to the southern tip of South America.

Expert Warnings:It is very important to emphasise that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye would be very dangerous. Viewing the sun through a telescope or a binoculars without a proper filter is many times more dangerous – it could destroy your eyesight.