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A small part of northern Queensland is the only place on land to view one of the rarest astrological events known to man - a total solar eclipse.
An estimated 60,000 scientists, astronomers and onlookers are expected to gather in Cairns this morning to witness the eclipse, as it is the only city where the totality - the brief period where the moon moves directly in front of the sun completely blocking it from view - will be visible.
A totality will not be visible from Australia again until 2028.
The eclipse will begin at 6.45am AEDT and finish at about 8:40am with 2 minutes of totality at 7:39am.
Eclipse watchers have been warned that doing so with the naked eye risks permanent eye damage. Instead, special glasses can be purchased or a common pinhole camera technique can be used.