It happened on August 11 in Paris, but also in the rest of Europe and even on a large part of the Asian continent. At lunchtime on August 11, 1999, the Moon completely eclipsed the Sun . It was the last total eclipse of the 20th century, and also of the second millennium .
In midsummer, millions of curious onlookers gathered within a hundred-kilometre-wide band stretching from southern Nova Scotia to the Bay of Bengal, to enjoy thedarkness of the sun totally obscured by the Moon , and to witness this historic event. In France, the band of totality of the Moon's shadow stretched from Normandy to Alsace, including the north of Paris!
With their eyes turned towards the sky and wearing the famous "special eclipse" protective glasses that allow them to admire the eclipse without damaging their eyes, the French were able to enjoy this extraordinary event for just under 3 minutes. But those who were there to see it will still remember: the weather that day was extremely capricious, and the clouds that had invited themselves to the party didn't make the show any easier.
But no matter! During these few minutes suspended in time, the French were able to shiver - due to a 3-degree drop in temperature in the middle of summer when the shade was total - but also with pleasure! The black Sun then appeared, framed by Mercury and Venus on either side, while some animals, convinced that twilight had fallen, fell silent and went to bed.
This total eclipse was one of the most closely watched in history. The previous total solar eclipse took place in France on February 15, 1961. And for the next eclipse visible from France, we'll have to wait until September 3... 2081!
And where were you on that day?
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Photo credits: Giuseppe Donatiello
