Incredible photos of total solar eclipse show daytime plunged into darkness in Latin America

THE only total eclipse of 2020 darkened skies across Latin America on December 14.

Stunning snaps of the dramatic event were captured by photographers lucky enough to witness it first hand.

A total solar eclipse occurred yesterday across a narrow region of the South Pacific, Chile, Argentina and the south Atlantic Ocean.

A partial eclipse was visible from parts of the Pacific, southern South America and Antarctica.

The difference is just that a total eclipse means the Moon fully covers up the Sun whereas a partial eclipse means you can still see some of the Sun.

Unfortunately, it was not be visible in the UK or the US.

It was possible for people all over the world watch the spectacular event live on YouTube.

People lucky enough to watch in person had to take precautions to view it safely.

Many invested in “solar-viewing glasses” or “eclipse glasses” to protect their eyes.

The total solar eclipse only lasted for a few minutes.

Solar eclipses happen when you’re in the shadow cast by the Moon, which is fully blocking the Sun.

This only happens when the Sun, Moon and Earth are aligned on a straight line.

When is the next solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses are fairly common, with between two and five happening every year.

A total eclipse happens around once every 18 months.

The next total solar eclipse will be on December 4, 2021.

An annular eclipse, which means a ring of the Sun will still be visible, is set to happen on June 10 2021.

This will be visible in the UK.

Unfortunately, the UK will not see a total solar eclipse again until September 23, 2090.

Here’s what you need to know…

A solar eclipse is a rare natural phenomenon that darkens the sky
It happens when you’re in the shadow cast by the Moon, which is fully blocking the Sun
This only happens when the Sun, Moon and Earth are aligned on a straight line
A total eclipse is when the disk of the Sun is fully obscured by the Moon
Partial eclipses are more common and leave a ring of Sun still visible
Total solar eclipses will occur somewhere on Earth approximately every 18 months
Eclipses were considered ominous by ancient cultures, because the Sun disappears during the day in minutes
However, solar eclipses are now a very popular spectacle that can attract tourists
It’s important to not look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse, as it can lead to permanent eye damage, and even blindness
It’s recommended that people use special eye protection, or watch the event on screens instead