July 22, 2009 was the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, lasting as much as 6 minutes and 39 seconds in nearly half the Earth. Despite cloudy skies in many of the populated areas in the path, millions of people gathered outside to gaze up and view this rare event.
A total solar eclipse covered a narrow path across Asia, where it darkened skies for millions of people for more than six minutes in some places. The moon passed directly in front of the sun, causing a total solar eclipse that crossed nearly half the Earth – through Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China.
