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© Billy Mallery
On July 11, 2010, the Moon passed directly in front of the sun, producing a total eclipse over the South Pacific. "It was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen," says Billy Mallery who witnessed the event from Easter Island.

"I spent much time trying to find just the right place on the island for totality, and this was it... with the Moai 'looking' straight at the sun's corona," says Mallery.

Easter island was one of the few places the Moon's shadow made landfall. Mostly, the path of totality sprawled across open, uninhabited ocean. That didn't stop the eclipse-chasers, though, who crowded upon every boat, cruise ship, and atoll they could find to watch the show.

Browse the gallery for more reminiscences.