Longest total solar eclipse of 21st century

Scientists, students and nature enthusiasts gathered in open spaces throughout China and other parts of Asia on Wednesday, to watch the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century.

This is the longest such eclipse since July the 11th, 1991, when a total eclipse lasting 6 minutes and 53 seconds was visible from Hawaii to South America. And there will not be an eclipse longer than this until the year 2132. The last total eclipse, in August, 2008, lasted two minutes and 27 seconds.

Human beings have been recording solar eclipse for 4,000 years. Even today they inspire a combination of fascination, wonder and even fear.