The islands of the Caribbean Sea are known for their breathtaking beaches and blue waters. But last Thursday all eyes were on the skies. A total eclipse of the sun passed over the tropical islands.
Slowly, the moon's shadow crept across the sun, taking a bigger and bigger bite, until the sun was completely blocked. Night fell for a few moments on a sunny afternoon. A ring of light called a corona sparkled around the darkened sun.
Total eclipses occur about every 18 months. But they usually cross remote areas. Scientists and sky gazers gathered on land or in boats to stare at the marvelous sight.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!" said Zaira Busby, who lives on the island of Curacao. As the shadow pulled away from the sun, confused roosters crowed at the day's second sunrise.
The continental U.S. won't see a total eclipse until 2017. That seems like a long time to wait for what researcher Jay Pasachoff calls "an astonishingly beautiful thing."