What we're talking about

sneaky peeker on Swan's sixth budget Tony abbott is just another re-incarnated version of joseph Chaberlain.My bet is that the National party will split from him ... more
David T. on Swan's sixth budget Now, now Bobby; Sounds as though you have had practice at doing that. Did you get that practice whilst McTernan was ... more
Richard on Swan's sixth budget @Bob, the whole world tried to stimulate their economies after Wall St crashed.Without our depleteable resources and Chinas ... more
bob lord on Swan's sixth budget Hey David TClose your eyes, put your fingers in your ears and sing loudly. That's what kindie kids do when they don't want ... more
Bob Lord on Swan's sixth budget AUSTRALIA TO GO DEEPER, DEEPER and DEEPER INTO DEFICITActing Opposition Treasurer Mr Tony Abbott tonight indicated that he ... more
CRY FREEDOM on PM emotional for DisabilityCare Gillards stunt of the week. more
David T. on Swan's sixth budget Doesn't anyone get tired of certain individuals constantly quoting and giving references to the "Sydney Morning Herald", ... more
David T. on Swan's sixth budget Anyone notice that Labor has now started to pay off those who gave it "government"? Many, many, millions going to the pet ... more
David T. on Swan's sixth budget Despite their best efforts, not even Labor can totally stuff up Australia's inherent financial health. Much of it is in the ... more
Bob Lord on Swan's sixth budget Richard - I see France is now in recession - they went austerity measures.I see Japan is growing - they finally followed ... more
Richard on Swan's sixth budget The only thing Abbott Bob, admitted was the the government have left the cupboard empty after promising to leave a little ... more
Shez on Swan's sixth budget Bob Lord, you're a legend. more
Richard on Swan's sixth budget As long as he repeals that other broad based consumption tax based on a lie, disguised as the carbon tax, all will be ... more
Bob Lord on Swan's sixth budget ABBOTT ADMITS GOVERNMENT IS RIGHTFacing the effects of Costello's legacy, the Abbottoir will not oppose the axing of the ... more
Caelii on Rob Oakeshott? Well macadmiaa nuts, how about that. more
dialabull on PM emotional for DisabilityCare Please donâ??t be fooled by Gillardâ??s tears â?? the Real Gillards we have known over the last few years has no feeling for ... more
Veena on Popularity rising Trashman (I forget wehtehr you're from the left or right side of the Atlantic pond, so I'll try to cover both), Bob Katter ... more
Vinny on Popularity rising You've really captured all the esesnitals in this subject area, haven't you? more
Nash on PM Gillard, I can win this I guess finding useful, reliable information on the intreent isn't hopeless after all. more
Nova on PM Gillard, I can win this she is more into spiritual stuff then god or Jesus well wtf that is the best kind of thing u can be into coz god and money r ... more

Eclipse: eye damage

Posted by: Staff writers | 15 November, 2012 - 9:26 AM

4BC Breakfast: If you watched yesterday’s eclipse without eye protection, you might have damaged your eyesight.

Opthalmologist Dr Bill Glasson explains the problem, to Peter and Mary from 4BC Breakfast.

News Update

North Queensland experiences total eclipse

Thousands of spectators in north Queensland have witnessed Australia's first total solar eclipse in a decade.

For two minutes, shortly before 6am (AEST) on Wednesday, north Queensland went from day to night as the sun, moon and earth aligned to create a spectacular sights.

It was the first full solar eclipse visible from Australia since 2002 - and that was only in the nation's south.

About 60,000 people travelled to Cairns and parts north to watch the solar spectacle.

Hot air balloons full of astronomy lovers dotted north Queensland's skies.

Astronomical Association of Queensland spokesman Terry Cuttle told AAP it was one of the most spectacular eclipses he has seen yet.

"There was cloud cover during the first part of the eclipse but the sun broke through just as the eclipse reached totality," Mr Cuttle said.

"It was quite a sight. It's one of the best."

Spectator Ben Woodward said the temperature dropped, the sky went darker and birds went quiet when the eclipse reached totality.

"It was an eerie feeling and the temperature dropped but the sky didn't go completely dark. It looked like dusk," Mr Woodward, from Cairns Wildlife Dome, told AAP.

"The view was obstructed by a large cloud but there were moments where you could see the eclipse occurring."

He said a lot of cameras had been positioned in the wildlife park to record how the animals reacted.

"Several wildlife keepers have said a lot of the birds fell asleep."

The eclipse was visible from a narrow strip, known as the path of totality, starting in Kakadu National Park, passing over far north Queensland and the South Pacific, finishing just off the coast of Chile.

The eclipse was over around 7.40am (AEST) in Cairns.

Many indigenous groups, including in Arnhem Land, were watching the event which has deep spiritual meaning for them.

Indigenous astronomy expert Duane Hamacher was up on a hilltop near the Cairns Airport to watch the celestial spectacle.

"Most Aboriginal cultures believe the sun is female and the moon is male," Mr Hamacher told AAP.

"Some believe the sun is in love with the man but he does not reciprocate these feelings so the sun chases him around the sky.

"On rare occasions, she manages to grab him and in a jealous rage tries to kill him but he convinces the spirits that hold up the sky to save him, which they do."

The next solar eclipse to be visible from Australia is expected in May next year, but it will only be an annular eclipse (where the sun is still visible around the edges of the moon).