Tahiti 2010 Total Solar Eclipse

Nick James' video of the 2010 Tahiti total solar eclipse

A spectacular total solar eclipse in a paradise setting

With views stretching out across the South Pacific from our temporary camp on the remote Atoll of Hao we were not disappointed by French Polynesia’s spectacular Total Solar Eclipse.

From our main base in Tahiti we travelled 2.5 hours on a private charter flight deep into the South Pacific to Hao which would be our home for three days whilst viewing the eclipse. As always the weather was a key factor in the selection of our viewing location and Dr John Mason identified Hao as having the optimal length of totality and weather conditions for the Eclipse viewing in the South Pacific region and we were rewarded with clear blue skies as first contact was made at 07:24 on Sunday 11th July.

As the eclipse progressed we experienced amazing phenomenon as the light levels slowly darkened and shadow bands rippled across the sands. As the moon covered the sun the final glimpse of the sun's light was displayed in the form of Baily's beads which signified totality was upon us and darkness fell across the shoreline. For 3 minutes and 33 seconds we marvelled at the solar corona and this spectacular natural phenomenon, before the sun gradually started to reappear and with it the stunning 'diamond ring' dazzled us all, before the sun slowly emerged and the light levels increased again.

The group are now touring in either Easter Island or through California having spent a couple of days experiencing life in Tahiti.

Below is an initial selection of pictures from the total solar eclipse and a full report of the trip and wider selection of images will be posted once the group return from their trips.

Images: The spectacular total solar eclipse captured by Peter Morgan.

Images: Watching the total solar eclipse on the remote atoll of Hao.