Asia has longest eclipse of 21st century.
- Darkness fell across parts of China and India on Wednesday morning as a total solar eclipse passed across the world's most populous countries, bringing throngs of people outside to watch the phenomenon. Total eclipses occur about twice a year as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun on the same plane as Earth's orbit. Wednesday's event will be the longest of the 21st century, with astronomers predicting it will last more than six minutes. Wednesday's event will be the longest of the 21st century, with astronomers predicting it will last more than six minutes. People in a band running through parts of the Pacific Ocean, China and India will be able to get the full view of the eclipse. The Chinese city of Shanghai is being touted as one of the best spots to watch the eclipse, with tourists coming from across the globe to view the phenomenon, during which the sun's corona -- the sun's outer atmosphere -- becomes visible. "You can't find words to