Solar eclipse dazzles parts of South America

Part of the southern hemisphere witnessed an annular eclipse on Wednesday, 2 October, a spectacle that was seen in all its splendour from Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. An estimated 175,000 people live in the path of the eclipse’s annularity, giving far-flung residents and eclipse-chasing tourists a stunning view. Solar eclipses happen when the sun, moon and Earth line up just so. The moon casts a shadow that can partially or totally block the sun’s light. During an annular eclipse, the moon obscures all but a ring-shaped sliver of the sun. That’s because the moon is at a point in its orbit that’s farther from Earth. Watch more on Independent TV: The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: Find us on social: TikTok / @independent Instagram