AKIPRESS.COM - Skywatchers in parts of Chile and Argentina will see the Moon pass directly in front of the Sun, blocking out the light for just a few minutes, BBC reports.

It will be late in the day, however, and anyone lucky enough to be in the "path of totality" will be looking at the event close to the horizon.

As always, people are urged to take great care during an eclipse. Gazing into the Sun can damage the eyes.

Proper protection is needed, such as the use of approved solar glasses.

This year's total solar eclipse begins out over the Pacific.

The Moon's great shadow, or umbra, first touches the ocean surface east of New Zealand.

Ships and planes will be heading out from French Polynesia to witness it.

The first - and only - piece of land in the Pacific to lie in the path of totality is tiny Oeno Island - part of the Pitcairns British Overseas Territory.

This uninhabited atoll will be plunged into darkness for nearly three minutes, starting at 10:24 local time (18:24 GMT).