Australia's Spectacular Solar Eclipse: A First-Hand Account.

A rare "hybrid-total" solar eclipse was witnessed by 2,000 eclipse-chasers from the deck of a cruise ship off the coast of Australia. The event was a combination of a total solar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse, with a colossal corona, multiple prominences, and a drifting "diamond ring" visible. The totality lasted for just 60 seconds, but the display of solar explosions was one of the advantages of experiencing a total solar eclipse while the sun is so active. The next hybrid total solar eclipse will be on Nov. 14, 2031, visible from the Pacific Ocean.