Thousands of people have watched a total solar eclipse as it crossed over Chile and Argentina.

The two countries and a small uninhabited South Pacific atoll were the only ones treated to the spectacle on Tuesday evening UK time.

Tens of thousands of tourists, astronomers and locals saw the event in person, while many more watched live feeds from around the world.

A partial eclipse was visible in some other parts of South America.

Image: The total solar eclipse was seen in Chile and Argentina, along with a South Pacific atoll

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun and blocks the sunlight.


The eclipse lasted just over two minutes and made its first landfall in La Serena.

The Chilean city normally has a population of 200,000 people but it has had to cope with the arrival of more than 300,000 visitors for the event.

Image: Some small towns have been overwhelmed by the number of visitors

US tourist Stephanie Bouckurt said the experience was recommended to her by a friend, adding: "They told me that nothing compares to a solar eclipse, so that's why we're here. We're super excited."

Chile, with some of the world's clearest skies and most powerful telescopes, was the perfect viewing spot for the solar eclipse.

Image: Chile has some of the world's clearest skies and most powerful telescopes

Elyar Sedaghati, an astronomer working as a fellow at the European Southern Observatory in Paranal, Chile, said: "In the past 50 years we've only had two eclipses going over observatories.

"So one when it happens and an observatory lies in the path of totality, it really is special for us.

"We can finally use our toys during the day because it's always at night that we use them."

The last place to see the eclipse was just south of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

South America will also be home to the next total solar eclipse in December next year.